Nitrate
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Nitrate is an important polyatomic ion with chemical formula NO3- Nitrates have a wide variety of uses, but they are probably most commonly used as fertilizer (for farming) and as a food additive (to preserve the red color of meats).
Health
Unfortunately, nitrates tend to convert to nitrites due to the digestive process and bacterial action. Chemically, this only means that the molecule lost an oxygen atom. However, nitrites are known to be unhealthy to ingest. Although not officially tested in a scientific manner, many believe that nitrates themselves are also unhealthy to eat.[1][2]
See also
- Nitrification bacteria convert Ammonia into Nitrates
- Aquaculture
- Aquaponics and Nitrates