1.1. Addressing the Problem of Nitrite AssessmentNitrates (NO3?) and nitrites (NO2?) are frequently present in plants, soils and waters; since their chemistries are quality control practically indissociable, one is rarely found without the other. If in excessive levels, these ions can have an adverse impact on public health and ecological systems. Nitrite is the foremost toxic agent, but the fairly inert nitrate is easily reduced to nitrite by bacterial action in the soil or within the digestive system [1,2]. In recent years, in order to manage environmental and health risks caused by nitrates/nitrites exposure, the most important governmental agencies have promulgated rules and directives to restrict the level of these ions in drinking waters and food products.
Furthermore, the determination of nitrites in human physiological fluids is commonly used Inhibitors,Modulators,Libraries for clinical diagnosis [3].Environmental RisksThe anthropogenic input of nitrites and nitrates to the environment can occur through the photochemical conversion of atmospheric nitrogen oxides (NOx) generated by all sorts of combustion processes (industrial, domestic and automobile) [1,4,5]. Applications Inhibitors,Modulators,Libraries of nitrites in textile, metal, petroleum and pharmaceutical industries are also documented [6,7]. As for nitrates, the most important pollution source arises from the intensive use of N-fertilizers in farming activities; though, anaerobic conditions may favor their conversion into nitrites [2].
Besides unbalancing Inhibitors,Modulators,Libraries the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle by interfering with the denitrification/nitrification Inhibitors,Modulators,Libraries processes [4,8] the most serious ecological repercussion Drug_discovery of excessive nitrates/nitrites levels comes from the contamination of groundwater supplies by percolation of these highly soluble ions through natural aquifers. In conjunction with phosphorous fertilizers, the nitrate enrichment of surface waters is also responsible for the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems and contamination of fish and shellfish cultures [2,8,9]. According to the latest European Commission��s report [COM(2010)47] on the implementation of directive 91/676/EEC (aimed to protect inhibitor Dovitinib surface and ground waters against nitrate originated from agricultural fertilizers) nitrate pollution has been falling. Nevertheless, further efforts are still required to meet water quality standards across the European Union.Health HazardsNitrites are found in vegetables only in very small quantities whilst nitrates occur naturally in most eaten vegetables in highly variable amounts; lettuce, spinach, beetroot, chervil, cress and celery are nitrate-rich vegetables. Yet, high contents of nitrates are typically observed if plants are grown in soils overloaded with nitrogen fertilisers [10�C13].
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