Nitrogen is essential for all life on Earth – it’s a key part of DNA, proteins, and the food we eat. In this experiment, students will explore sources of nitrogen in our environment by testing samples for nitrates and nitrites using the Griess reagent. Students will create a standard curve to calculate the concentrations of samples with unknown amounts of nitrate and nitrite.
• Use simple colorimetric methods to detect and measure nitrate levels in real or simulated water samples.
• Explore how fertilizer runoff contributes to eutrophication and related health concerns.
• Interpret nitrate results and propose solutions to reduce nutrient pollution.
• This project was made possible by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA), Grant Number 2R44GM143977-02, from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Kit includes: Instructions, nitrate and nitrite solutions, Griess indicator solution components, conical tubes, microcentrifuge tubes, and PCR tubes.
All you need: Micropipettes and tips, spectrophotometer, water bath PPE, distilled water and assorted laboratory glassware. Computer with spreadsheet software highly recommended.
Time required: Complete in 120 minutes or less
For 10 Lab Groups.