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Activity

Testing water for nitrate

In this activity, students test nitrate levels in various samples of water and draw possible informed conclusions about the results.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

  • explain why excessive nitrate can be harmful

  • demonstrate how to test water for nitrate

  • make an informed decision about safe nitrate levels in drinking water.

Nutrient leaching

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Dr Ross Monaghan describes the problems caused by nutrients leaching into water systems. He also explains why winter is a high-risk period for nitrogen leaching.

Rights: University of Waikato
Referencing Hub media

Download the Word file for:

  • introduction/background notes

  • what you need

  • what to do

  • discussion questions

  • student handout.

Testing water for nitrate

WORD•817.64 KB

Useful links

Taumata Arowai, New Zealand's water regulator, has a lot of resources and guides about drinking water standards. Specific information for the public is found here.

Glossary

Published: 30 July 2013
Referencing Hub articles

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