Technical data

Determination of the nitrate ion concentration in a water sample

Article no: P8300410

Principle

A colorimetric test kit can be used to quantitatively determine the nitrate ion content in water samples. By comparing the color of the sample with the color scale on the comparator, the nitrate concentration can be read directly. The more intense the color, the higher the nitrate content of the sample. Various water samples and a tap water sample are measured in this way and compared with one another.

Tasks

Collect a water sample from a body of water of your choice (e.g., a stream, pond, or near an agricultural field).
Perform the colorimetric nitrate test on all water samples using the test kit and compare the results.
Repeat the measurement with a tap water sample as a control sample and to evaluate it against the legal limit.

Learning objective

Students learn how to use a colorimetric test kit safely and correctly and how to read the measurements properly. They understand the chemical principles of nitrate detection and recognize the significance of nitrate as an environmental problem. In addition, they explore the effects of excessive nitrate pollution on aquatic ecosystems—from algal growth and eutrophication to the “collapse” of a lake—and learn about strategies that help reduce nitrate inputs into groundwater.

Benefits

Strong link to everyday life: pupils test real water samples from their immediate surroundings
Easy to use: the colorimetric test provides quick and reliable quantitative results without the need for complex laboratory equipment
Interdisciplinary: combines chemistry, biology and environmental science in a realistic context

Scope of delivery

Beakers, Boro, low form, various sizes	46054-00	1
Pasteur pipettes, 3ml, PE, 500pcs	36616-00	1
Nitrate ECO-Test 0-120 mg/l	30837-03	1