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Definition of Nitrate ;
Nitrate is a chemical compound with the formula NO3−. It is a salt of nitric acid and is the simplest anion of nitrogen. A nitrate ion is a nitrogen atom with three oxygen atoms attached.
In food processing, nitrates are used as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria and to extend the shelf life of meat. When nitrates are ingested, they are reduced to nitrites by bacteria in the gut. Nitrites can then react with amines in food to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
Chemical Properties of Nitrate
Nitrate is a salt of nitric acid, and is the ion NO3-. Nitrates are generally soluble in water and are moderately toxic. They are used in fertilizers and explosives.
Conversion of Nitrogen to Nitrate
Nitrogen is an important component of the air we breathe and is also an essential plant nutrient. Plants can’t use nitrogen gas directly, but they can use nitrogen compounds like nitrate or ammonium. The process of converting nitrogen gas to a usable form is called nitrogen fixation.
There are two main ways that nitrogen fixation occurs. The first way is through the action of bacteria. Special bacteria that live in the soil can convert nitrogen gas into a usable form. The second way is through the use of special plants called legumes. Legumes can convert nitrogen gas into a usable form with the help of bacteria that live in their roots.
Once nitrogen is converted into a usable form, it can be used by plants to make proteins and other essential nutrients. Nitrogen is also important for the growth of plants and for the production of seeds and fruits.
In order for plants to use nitrogen, it must first be converted into a form that they can use. This process is called nitrogen fixation. There are two main ways that nitrogen fixation occurs. The first way is through the action of bacteria. Bacteria that live in the soil can convert nitrogen gas into a usable form. The second way is through the use of special plants called legumes. Legumes can convert nitrogen gas into a usable form with the help of bacteria that live in their roots.
Once nitrogen is converted into a usable form, it can be used by plants to make proteins and other essential nutrients. Nitrogen is also important for the growth of plants and for the production of seeds and fruits.
Conversion of Nitrite to Nitrate
Nitrite (NO2) is a water-soluble, reddish-brown gas that is used as a food preservative. When nitrite is added to food, it forms nitrate (NO3) which is also water-soluble. Nitrate is not poisonous, but it can be converted to nitrite by bacteria in the digestive system. Nitrite is poisonous because it interferes with the oxygen-carrying ability of red blood cells. It can also form nitrosamines, which are cancer-causing chemicals.
