Monitoring Water for Nitrates With KETOS SHIELD

KETOS SHIELD can monitor for nitrates and water quality parameters in real-time, all while lowering up-front costs for water quality testing via an industry-leading $0-CAPEX subscription model.

KETOS SHIELD provides accurate, real-time monitoring for nitrates and dozens of other parameters. Monitor your water testing parameters via an interoperable, modular system that uploads data to the cloud for secure 24/7 access from anywhere.

Why Monitor Water for Nitrates with KETOS

Nitrates, a form of nitrogen, are an essential nutrient for plants. However, when produced in excess amounts, they can also cause severe water quality issues. When combined with phosphorus, for example, nitrates can increase the growth of aquatic plants and cause the species of animals and plants that live in the surrounding ecosystem to change. It can affect various indicators, such as dissolved oxygen and temperature, and cause hypoxia while also becoming toxic to warm-blooded animals if concentrations exceed 10 mg/L.

Typically, the natural level of nitrates in surface water is low (less than one mg/L). However, human activity can cause high levels of nitrates to enter surface and groundwater. For example, the effluent of wastewater treatment plants can have nitrate levels as high as 30 mg/L and, if allowed to enter the surrounding environment, can cause a spike in the surrounding water supply.

Wastewater treatment plants are not the only source of nitrates. Other human activities, such as agricultural fertilization, failing septic systems, runoff from hog and cattle farms, and industrial discharge with corrosion inhibitors, are other significant sources of nitrate contamination in water. Consuming too much nitrate can be harmful—especially for babies.

Consuming too much nitrate can affect how blood carries oxygen and can cause methemoglobinemia (also known as blue baby syndrome). Bottle-fed babies under six months old are at the highest risk of getting methemoglobinemia.

Therefore, having a solution that can monitor nitrates is essential. By understanding nitrate levels and adequately handling the remediation process before wastewater discharge, water operators can prevent contamination events and protect surrounding water supplies.

Monitoring for nitrates is just the beginning. Download our KETOS SHIELD overview to learn how taking on dozens of water testings parameters at once can help your organization.