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Laboratory Tests Nitrate and Ammonia Testing Nitrates 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? 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 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 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 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 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