12.94 Nitrate and nitrite
Nitrate and nitrite are naturally occurring ions that are part of the nitrogen cycle. Nitrate is used mainly in inorganic fertilizers, and sodium nitrite is used as a food preservative, especially in cured meats. The nitrate concentration in groundwater and surface water is normally low but can reach high levels as a result of leaching or runoff from agricultural land or contamination from human or animal wastes as a consequence of the oxidation of ammonia and similar sources. Anaerobic conditions may result in the formation and persistence of nitrite. Chloramination may give rise to the formation of nitrite within the distribution system if the formation of chloramine is
not sufficiently controlled. The formation of nitrite is as a consequence of microbial activity and may be intermittent. Nitrification in distribution systems can increase nitrite levels, usually by 0.2–1.5 mg/litre.