Editing Nitrate (section)

== Uses ==

=== Agriculture ===
Nitrate is a [[chemical compound]] that serves as a primary form of nitrogen for many plants. This essential nutrient is used by plants to synthesize proteins, nucleic acids, and other vital organic molecules.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zhang GB, Meng S, Gong JM | title = The Expected and Unexpected Roles of Nitrate Transporters in Plant Abiotic Stress Resistance and Their Regulation | journal = International Journal of Molecular Sciences | volume = 19 | issue = 11 | pages = 3535 | date = November 2018 | pmid = 30423982 | pmc = 6274899 | doi = 10.3390/ijms19113535 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The transformation of atmospheric nitrogen into nitrate is facilitated by certain bacteria and lightning in the nitrogen cycle, which exemplifies nature's ability to convert a relatively inert molecule into a form that is crucial for biological productivity.<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Chuang HP |date=2018-11-26 |title=Insight on transformation pathways of nitrogen species and functional genes expression by targeted players involved in nitrogen cycle. |journal=Impact |language=en |volume=2018 |issue=8 |pages=58–59 |doi=10.21820/23987073.2018.8.58 |issn=2398-7073}}</ref>

Nitrates are used as [[fertilizer]]s in [[agriculture]] because of their high solubility and biodegradability. The main nitrate fertilizers are [[Ammonium nitrate|ammonium]], [[Sodium nitrate|sodium]], [[Potassium nitrate|potassium]], [[Calcium nitrate|calcium]], and [[Magnesium nitrate|magnesium]] salts. Several billion kilograms are produced annually for this purpose.<ref name="Ullmann" /> The significance of nitrate extends beyond its role as a nutrient since it acts as a signaling molecule in plants, regulating processes such as root growth, flowering, and leaf development.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Liu B, Wu J, Yang S, Schiefelbein J, Gan Y | title = Nitrate regulation of lateral root and root hair development in plants | journal = Journal of Experimental Botany | volume = 71 | issue = 15 | pages = 4405–4414 | date = July 2020 | pmid = 31796961 | pmc = 7382377 | doi = 10.1093/jxb/erz536 | veditors = Xu G }}</ref>

While nitrate is beneficial for agriculture since it enhances soil fertility and crop yields, its excessive use can lead to nutrient runoff, water pollution, and the proliferation of aquatic dead zones.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Bashir U, Lone FA, Bhat RA, Mir SA, Dar ZA, Dar SA | chapter = Concerns and Threats of Contamination on Aquatic Ecosystems |date=2020 | title = Bioremediation and Biotechnology |pages=1–26 | veditors = Hakeem KR, Bhat RA, Qadri H |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-35691-0_1 |isbn=978-3-030-35690-3 }}</ref> Therefore, sustainable agricultural practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship are necessary. Nitrate's importance in ecosystems is evident since it supports the growth and development of plants, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kirchmann H, Johnston AE, Bergström LF | title = Possibilities for reducing nitrate leaching from agricultural land | journal = Ambio | volume = 31 | issue = 5 | pages = 404–408 | date = August 2002 | pmid = 12374048 | doi = 10.1579/0044-7447-31.5.404 | bibcode = 2002Ambio..31..404K }}</ref>

=== Firearms ===
Nitrates are used as [[oxidizing agent]]s, most notably in [[explosive]]s, where the rapid [[Redox|oxidation]] of carbon compounds liberates large volumes of gases (see [[gunpowder]] as an example).

=== Industrial === 
Sodium nitrate is used to remove air bubbles from molten [[glass]] and some [[ceramic]]s. Mixtures of [[molten salt]]s are used to harden the surface of some metals.<ref name=Ullmann/>

=== Photographic film ===
Nitrate was also used as a [[Film base#Nitrate|film stock]] through [[nitrocellulose]]. Due to its high combustibility, the [[film making]] studios swapped to [[cellulose acetate]] safety film in 1950.

=== Medicinal and pharmaceutical use ===
In the medical field, nitrate-derived organic [[ester]]s, such as [[Nitroglycerin (medication)|glyceryl trinitrate]], [[isosorbide dinitrate]], and [[isosorbide mononitrate]], are used in the prophylaxis and management of [[acute coronary syndrome]], [[myocardial infarction]], [[Pulmonary edema|acute pulmonary oedema]].<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Soman B, Vijayaraghavan G |title=The role of organic nitrates in the optimal medical management of angina | journal =  e-Journal of Cardiology Practice | date = April 2017 |volume=15 | issue = 2 |url=https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-15/The-role-of-organic-nitrates-in-the-optimal-medical-management-of-angina |access-date=2023-10-30 }}</ref> This class of drug, to which [[amyl nitrite]] also belongs, is known as [[nitrovasodilator]]s.