what does nitrate do in freshwater streams
Nitrate ions found in freshwater samples result from a variety of natural and manmade sources. Nitrates are an important source of nitrogen necessary for plants and animals to synthesize amino acids and proteins. Most nitrogen on earth is found in the atmosphere in the form of nitrogen gas, N2.lthough nitrate levels in freshwater are usually less than 1 mg/L, manmade sources of nitrate may elevate levels to above 3 mg/L. These sources include animal feedlots, runoff from fertilized fields, or treated municipal wastewater being returned to streams.