|
The Nitrate Elimination Co., Inc. |
| Revised and Updated: 12/30/2008 1.888.NITRATE www.nitrate.com |
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| Presented here is a list of ideas for getting
more out of NECi NTK. NECi will constantly update this list of Tips and
Tricks as new ways to use NTK become known and as unique applications become
identified and reported to us. NECi wants to make NTK as useful as
possible for as many applications as possible. If you have a unique way to
use NTK, please tell us about it and we will post it here (giving you credit for
your help!). Send us an email with your suggestions, tips and tricks for
using NECi NTK: info@nitrate.com |
Table of Contents:
Also see the NECi FAQ (Go to:
FAQ
) for Other Useful Information on NTK
and ways to use them. |
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1. Home Vegetable Testing for Nitrate
Take a small portion of a vegetable (either fresh or canned) and squeeze it with a garlic press to extract the liquid portion of the vegetable. Use one drop (0.05 ml) to test for Nitrate using the NECi Field NTK - Standard Range (no special equipment required to use this NECi NTK). Nitrate will only be detected if the vegetable has a high nitrate content. To figure out how much nitrate you are getting when eating this vegetable, compare the amount of vegetable extracted to the amount you usually eat at one time. If the Nitrate content of the vegetable extract is high (5 to 10 ppm Nitrate-N), then you have an estimate of the amount of nitrate you are getting from the consumption of the vegetable tested. Most vegetables have a low nitrate content with root vegetables (carrots, beets, etc.), leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, chard, etc.) and some legumes (green beans) being the exceptions. If you are drinking water that is pretty much nitrate free, then you do not have to worry too much about taking a bit of nitrate in your food. Talk to your physician if you are concerned about your nitrate intake. 2. Salt-Water Fish Tank Nitrate Testing Water from any fish tank, for both fresh and salt-water systems, can be tested for Nitrate using the NECi Environmental Field NTK - Standard Range (no special equipment required to use the NECi E-NTK). Simply take 1 drop (0.05 ml) of the water and run the Nitrate test as per the instructions in the E-NTK. Salt-water does not interfere with the NECi Environmental Field NTK - Standard Range test for Nitrate. If you find the Nitrate content of your fish tank water is high (5 to 10 ppm Nitrate-N), then consider changing the water more often to keep the Nitrate content lower (as long as the water you use is low in Nitrate content -- your water source can also be tested for Nitrate with the Field-NTK to be sure you are using low Nitrate water to put in your fish tank or make your salt-water). Consult your pet store or a reference book to decide what the limit for Nitrate in your fish tank should be. 3. Storing Nitrate Reductase (NaR) for Multiple Uses The enzyme Nitrate Reductase (NaR) is used in all NECi NTK. In general, NECi NTK are designed for running a set of 18 to 25 samples at one time and so there is no need to store the NaR when following the protocol provided with the kit you bought. However, if you do not have that many samples to test at one time, you may want to use the NECi Prepacked Enzyme Diluent to prepare your NaR so that you can store it in your freezer between uses. Just tell us the next time you order and we will include a Prepacked Enzyme Diluent with your NTK. Here is the protocol for using the NECi Prepacked Enzyme Diluent (PDF file*): NaR Storage 4. Confused by Nitrate Units of Measure? Nitrate content of water and other samples is reported in several different
units depending on where you limit. The US EPA sets the Maximum Content
Limit of Nitrate in water as 10 ppm Nitrate-N. NECi bases the instructions
for all NTK on the US EPA units of 10 ppm Nitrate-N. However, in
California and Europe, the Nitrate content of water is expressed as ppm Nitrate
with the Limit being 45 to 50 ppm Nitrate. To help with overcoming this
confusing situation NECi has prepared a Table for Conversion of Nitrate Units
(PDF file*): Nitrate Units |
| 5. NECi Protocols for Special Laboratory Procedures (PDF files*) The following protocols have been developed and tested by NECi for laboratory analysis for Nitrate: Plant Tissue Extraction of Nitrate: Plant Extraction Soil Extraction for Nitrate Analysis: Soil Extraction Sample Drying in Preparation of Extraction of Nitrate: Sample Drying Ultra Low Nitrate Analysis (0.5 to 10 µM Nitrate) with special advice for
analysis of saltwater: Very Low Nitrate |
| *(To view these files download Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader)
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