NITRITE (NO₂)

Nitrite is a naturally occurring inorganic form of nitrogen. It is relatively unstable as it is the intermediate species between ammonia and nitrate. Hence, it is usually found in very low concentrations in the environment, less than 0.1 mg/L, and its concentration does not normally exceed 1 mg/L in municipal wastewater.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

In drinking water, nitrite is the intermediate oxidation state of nitrogen in the oxidation of ammonia to nitrate, and in the reduction of nitrate. Therefore, although it is generally a short-lived compound it provides important information on the kinetics of nitrification and denitrification processes. Due to its high toxicity, a limit of 1 mg/L has been imposed on drinking water.  

For industrial boiler and chiller applications, continuous nitrite monitoring can bring significant value to many applications. In these applications, real-time monitoring of nitrite, which is commonly used as a corrosion inhibitor, can optimize service intervals to align with a drop in nitrite levels. This saves time and ensures that corrosion and costly repairs are prevented, improving efficiency and increasing the longevity of the asset being managed.

HOW WE MEASURE

For high concentrations of nitrite in boiler and chiller system, Real Tech’s innovative multiple wavelength sensors utilize patent-pending and proprietary technology for superior measurement performance across multiple wavelengths of light using UV LEDs. Many compounds absorb light in the UV-VIS spectrum including nitrite. Real Tech offers both bypass (HN2L series) and probe (HN2A-X series) High Nitrite sensor options to allow the right selection for our clients needs. Multiple path length options are also available to ensure our clients have the detection range that meets their monitoring demands. Discover our real-time solutions for monitoring high concentrations of nitrite here.

For distribution system monitoring, Real Tech’s Spectrum sensor uses the absorbance of UV light to measure the concentration of nitrite and nitrate simultaneously. Nitrite and nitrate both absorb in characteristic ways in the UV region, and changes in the spectrum shape indicate changes in both the ratio between the two species and the total concentration. What sets Real Tech’s sensor apart from the competition is the use of a deuterium lamp, which provides unparalleled resolution and stability in the UV region of the spectrum. With measurement capability spanning the entire UV-Visible spectrum, the sensor can also use other regions to compensate for interferences such as natural organic materials (NOM) and turbidity (solids). Real Tech has the solutions to help our clients get the information they need, when they need it. Discover our real-time spectrum sensor for nitrite here.