Science Daily: Protecting lakes, streams by removing phosphates as well as nitrates The Iowa Farm Bureau has released a statement claiming that the state's waterways are becoming cleaner, despite evidence that nitrates and phosphates are higher than ever. The chemicals are dangerous ... A low-cost method of removing phosphates from tile drainage water has been developed, and may help protect lakes and streams.

Context Explanation

Using steel byproducts to trap phosphates in simulated tile drainage water ... The aim of the EU Nitrates Directive is to reduce nitrates leaking into the environment and to prevent pollution of water supplies. The widely accepted view is that this will help protect threatened ... Nitrates are molecules made of nitrogen and oxygen that are found naturally in air, soil, water, and some foods.

Insight Material

Some of the foods high in nitrates are green leafy vegetables and root vegetables.... Foods High in Nitrates and Why You Should Avoid Them - WebMD “Nitrates and nitrites are natural chemicals that are found in soil and water as part of the earth’s nitrogen cycle,” Peart explains. “They’re naturally present in the human body and in some foods, and nitrates are also added to some foods.” Nitrates are produced by a number of species of nitrifying bacteria in the natural environment using ammonia or urea as a source of nitrogen and source of free energy.