Download Laboratory Tests

Laboratory Tests
Nitrate and Ammonia Testing
Nitrates
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What are they?
Nitrates are minerals needed by plants for
growth. They contain nitrogen and are often
used as fertilisers.
Where do they come from?
Farmers add nitrates to their crops to encourage
plant growth. If they add too much, when it
rains the excess nitrate is washed away and runs
into rivers and streams.
What happens if too much nitrate gets
into a stream?
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Water plants (algae) grow rapidly
They cover the surface and block out the light
Lack of light means the water plants below die
out
These dead plants are decomposed by bacteria
The bacteria use up all the oxygen
A lack of oxygen causes fish and other animals
to die
This type of pollution is called EUTROPHICATION
Testing for Nitrates
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Fill test tube to the 10ml mark
Add one Nitrate Number 1 tablet
put cap on tube and shake to disintegrate tablet
Add one Nitrate Number 2 tablet
Put cap on tube and shake to disintegrate
Leave to stand for 5 minutes without disturbing tube
Hold TestCard towards daylight
Place test tube against translucent viewing window
Match colour against standards on the car
The card reading represents the result of the test
Ammonia
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What is it?
Ammonia is another chemical that
contains nitrogen.
Where does it come from?
It is produced as a waste product by
animals.
Ammonia in Waterways
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How does ammonia affect aquatic life?
Ammonia is toxic to aquatic life when the
levels get too high. If you keep tropical
fish at home it is important to regularly
check the ammonia levels, otherwise your
fish will start to die off.
Testing for Ammonia
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Fill test tube to 10ml mark
Add one Ammonia Number 1 tablet and one
Ammonia Number 2 tablet
Crush and mix to dissolve
Leave to stand for 10 minutes
Hold TestCard towards daylight
Place test tube against translucent viewing
window
Match colour against standards on the card
The card reading represents the result of the test