Nitrate
Nitrate
Nitrate (pronounced: /ˈnaɪ.treɪt/) is a polyatomic ion with the molecular formula NO3−. It is a compound that contains this ion.
Etymology
The term "nitrate" is derived from the Latin word nitrum, meaning "native soda", and the Greek word nitron, for "soda". The suffix "-ate" is derived from the Latin "-atus", indicating a state or condition.
Description
Nitrates are salts or esters of nitric acid containing the NO3− ion. They are produced naturally by a number of processes in the environment, including decomposition of organic matter and lightning. Nitrates are also produced industrially for use in fertilizers, explosives, and other applications.
Health Effects
Excessive levels of nitrates in water can cause methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome", a condition found especially in infants under six months. The nitrate ion can interact with hemoglobin, reducing the body's ability to transport oxygen.
Related Terms
- Nitric Acid: An acid from which nitrates are derived.
- Nitrite: A compound similar to nitrate, but with one less oxygen atom.
- Ammonium Nitrate: A type of nitrate used in fertilizers and explosives.
- Potassium Nitrate: A type of nitrate used in food preservation and fireworks.
- Sodium Nitrate: A type of nitrate used in food preservation and fertilizers.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nitrate
- Wikipedia's article - Nitrate
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski