What is nitrate?

Nitrate (NO3) is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen naturally found in air, soil, water, and some food. Plants and animals require nitrates for their survival and growth, and the human body also produces this compound. In industry, nitrate is used as fertilizers for crops and lawns. Additionally, nitrates are used in food preservation, certain pharmaceutical medications, as well as the manufacture of munitions and explosives. EPA’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate is set to protect against blue-baby syndrome.