NO3-100 Nitrate Ion-Selective Electrode

Overview

The NO3-100 is a precision ion-selective electrode specifically designed for measuring nitrate (NO3⁻) concentration in water. Nitrate is a critical parameter for agricultural nutrient management, aquaculture water quality, environmental monitoring, and drinking water safety. This sensor provides fast, accurate measurements essential for optimizing crop production, protecting aquatic life, and ensuring water quality compliance.

Key Features

• High Selectivity: Specifically designed for nitrate ion detection
• Wide Range: Measures from 0.6 to 62,000 mg/L (ppm)
• Dual Output Options: Supports both RS485 Modbus RTU and 4-20mA current output
• Fast Response: Results within 30 seconds
• Automatic Temperature Compensation: Integrated PT1000 sensor for accurate readings
• Direct Connection: Connect directly to computer or PLC without additional instrumentation
• High Protection: IP68 waterproof rating ensures reliable operation

Applications

• Hydroponic nutrient solution monitoring
• Greenhouse fertigation control
• Agricultural irrigation water testing
• Aquaculture water quality monitoring
• Drinking water compliance testing
• Wastewater treatment optimization
• Environmental water monitoring
• Groundwater contamination assessment
• Agricultural runoff tracking
• Fertilizer application optimization

Technical Specifications

The NO3-100 delivers precise nitrate measurements from 0.6 to 62,000 mg/L with automatic temperature compensation via the integrated PT1000 sensor. The ion-selective membrane provides exceptional selectivity for nitrate ions, making it ideal for monitoring in complex agricultural and environmental water matrices.

Understanding Nitrate in Water

Nitrate is the final oxidation product of nitrogen and plays multiple critical roles:

Agricultural Applications

• Plant Nutrition: Primary nitrogen source for crop growth
• Fertigation Control: Optimizing nutrient delivery in hydroponics and irrigation
• Fertilizer Management: Preventing over-application and waste
• Crop Quality: Maintaining optimal N levels for yield and quality

Water Quality

• Drinking Water: EPA limit is 10 mg/L (as N) or 44 mg/L (as NO3⁻)
• Health Impact: High levels can cause methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome)
• Environmental: Excess nitrate causes eutrophication in water bodies
• Groundwater: Indicator of agricultural or sewage contamination

Aquaculture

• Fish Health: High nitrate (> 50 mg/L) can stress fish
• Biofilter Performance: Monitoring nitrification efficiency
• Water Exchange: Determining water change requirements

Typical Nitrate Levels

• Unpolluted natural water: < 1 mg/L
• Agricultural runoff: 10-100 mg/L
• Drinking water limit: 10 mg/L (as N)
• Hydroponic solutions: 100-200 mg/L
• Greenhouse irrigation: 50-150 mg/L
• Aquaculture (safe): < 50 mg/L

Connectivity and Integration

With its RS485 Modbus RTU interface, the NO3-100 seamlessly integrates into modern SCADA systems, IoT networks, and agricultural automation platforms. The 4-20mA current output option ensures compatibility with traditional controllers and fertigation systems.

Installation and Maintenance

The NO3-100 requires regular calibration with standard nitrate solutions for optimal accuracy. The sensor should be cleaned periodically to prevent fouling, especially in organic-rich waters. The robust IP68-rated construction allows for continuous immersion in agricultural, aquaculture, and environmental monitoring systems.