Background

Nitrates can trigger a far-reaching and harmful biological chain reaction. High nitrate levels can fuel the growth of tiny plankton that can block sunlight to other plants. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome, which can be fatal to infants. The U.S.E.P.A. has established a drinking water standard for nitrate levels. This is 10 mg/L, which is equivalent to 1.3854 ppm.