Nitrates are a natural component of water and plant foods. These are chemicals that are not dangerous in themselves. Being salts of nitric acid, they enter the body along with food and drink, where they are restored to nitrites. And this new element is nothing but poison. Nitrites have a negative effect on all tissues and organs of a person, disrupt the functioning of his immune system, liver, and slow down metabolism.
However, nitrates have a detrimental effect on health only when their concentration exceeds the established daily norms. And this is observed almost everywhere. Excessive nitrate levels are influenced by modern technology and the fairly active use of fertilizers.
There are certain rules according to which all fruits and vegetables must be checked using a professional nitrate test (nitratomer) before they go to the shelves of the distribution network. However, unfortunately, this requirement is not always met, and the buyer is offered products that are extremely hazardous to health. Can nitrates be found in products on my own? Yes. And for this, experts recommend purchasing a nitrate tester. This is a personal device that will allow you to measure nitrates in fruits and vegetables , and do it directly in the market or in the store.
How to choose a nitrate tester? On which device to stop your gaze? Consider some of the features characteristic of such a device.
Digital and analog instruments
The nitrate tester can show the level of nitrogen salts in products in different ways. So, in analog devices, all measurements obtained are subject to recount. Due to the high error, it is impossible to establish the exact content of harmful chemical components with its help. An analog-type nitrate tester has a small memory that stores no more than nine indicators of acceptable standards. The biggest advantage of an analog instrument is its ability to measure soil acidity.
The digital nitrate tester is very convenient. It instantly shows the level of dangerous elements without any independent calculation. This data is much more accurate than that of an analog counterpart, however, unlike it, a digital nitrate tester is not suitable for measuring soil acidity.
Size and weight
What parameters should be considered when choosing a nitratomer? Experts recommend paying attention to the appearance of the model. The advantage of any modern device is its lightness and compactness. These are important characteristics that you should definitely consider when choosing, since the device will be used in future when visiting markets and stores. A heavy and bulky nitratomer is unlikely to be appropriate when shopping.
Nutrition
When choosing a nitrate meter, it is important to decide where it will be used. The use of a mains-operated appliance is limited only to home conditions. If the products will be checked directly upon their purchase, then you will need a nitratomer having an independent power source. Best if it is a battery. With it, the nitrate meter charges like a mobile phone. If the device for measuring harmful salts of nitrogen runs on conventional batteries, then it will be expensive to maintain because of the need for their constant replacement.
Measuring range
It is recommended to opt for a device that is capable of delivering results over a wide range. The scale of such a device starts at 0 mg / kg. It should also be borne in mind that the user receives the most accurate measurements of harmful substances when the device takes into account the body mass of a person. This is very important if the purchased products are intended for children. A safe rate of nitrates is considered an indicator equal to five milligrams per kilogram of weight.
Functional
When choosing a nitrate meter, the number of measurement programs is also important. That is why before buying it is necessary to determine the list of products in which the level of harmful substances will be measured. As a rule, all models of nitratomers give the results of measurements in fruits and vegetables, fish and meat. This functionality is quite enough for the consumer. However, if desired, you can find devices with a wider list. There are models with additional programs. For example, there is a nitrate tester and a radiation dosimeter (2 in 1).
There are models equipped with a
membrane keyboard. It protects the device from splashing water. Some devices feature a backlit LCD matrix display. This feature is convenient when using nitratomer in bad weather or outdoors.
Usability
In order to work with the device as comfortable as possible, it is advisable to choose a model that has:
- a minimum of commands and buttons;
- Russified menu;
- A large number of different settings;
- digital presentation of results.
Operating principle
The operation of the nitratomer is quite simple. To determine the content of harmful substances in products, each device is equipped with an electronic probe (built-in or flexible). This sensitive element is immersed in the studied environment. If it is a vegetable or fruit, then the end of the probe can simply be attached to the cut of the fruit. Next, the sensor is held until the result appears on the display. In the same way, the water is checked. The received information is instantly processed by the device.
However, it should be borne in mind that the distribution of nitrates in vegetables is uneven. For example, in a carrot, most of the harmful elements are found in its tail, core and tip. Based on this, measurements can give conflicting results. But as for cabbage, the bulk of nitrates is contained in its upper leaves and stalk. In cucumbers, harmful substances accumulate in the skin. All this should be considered when using the device.
Cost
Of course, with an increase in the number of functions that a nitrate tester is capable of performing, the price of it, accordingly, rises. For example, devices in the memory of which only a small list of the products under study is stored cost from 2 to 5 thousand rubles. If the nitratomer is able to detect the volume of harmful substances among a large number of items, then its price immediately rises to 20-25 thousand rubles.
Variety of models
A few years ago, for those who wanted to have household appliances for measuring nitrates in products, the market for such equipment offered a rather meager assortment. The list of such products was limited to models of the Soeks brand only. This device was a nitrate tester dosimeter.
Soeks is a company that was not a pioneer in measuring the level of harmful substances in products. Prior to it, Morion products were successfully sold. However, the Soeks brand is known to a wider circle of consumers and is the undoubted market leader.
Today, consumers can choose for themselves a model from a fairly wide range. So, starting in 2014, Greentest brand products began to be sold in retail chains. These devices are firmly established not only in Russia, but also, thanks to the latest developments, successfully compete in the global market.
In 2016, the EcoLifePro-2 nitrate meter appeared with a very useful function that allows you to measure the amount of salts in water. This is a device of the Russian manufacturer. Its name in Latin indicates the manufacturer’s task to bring the device to the international market.
Nitratomer "Morion"
You can buy instruments for measuring the level of harmful elements in products either in specialized retail outlets or in stores operating on the Internet. Among a wide variety of models, sellers also offer the Morion nitrate tester. To work with such a device, you will not need special skills, and its maintenance will not require special expenses, with the exception of replacing the batteries.
When buying a nitrate tester, it must be checked. To do this:
- install batteries;
- press and hold the pH button;
- by turning the regulator to the right side, bring the meter arrow to the “5” mark;
- release the button and make sure that the arrow deviates to its initial position, standing opposite "0".
What functions does such a nitrate tester perform? Customer reviews confirm the ability of the device to measure soil acidity. Such control is carried out on a richly moistened and compacted area of soil. To measure acidity, it is enough to introduce the probe into the soil to a depth of 1.5 cm. The measured values in pH units will be indicated by the arrow of the meter.
What else is this nitrate tester capable of? User reviews confirm that the device determines the level of human health by its saliva. To obtain reliable results, it is worth remembering that material for such a study should be taken only on an empty stomach. Saliva is placed in a beaker, into which a probe is inserted. The results will indicate the state of human health and the recommended dietary restrictions.
However, the main objective of the Morion device is to monitor the nitrate content of fruits and vegetables. To do this, the probe is introduced to a depth of 1.5 cm from the side of the stalk. Recorded results must be compared with existing standards.
In addition to all the above functions, the Morion nitratomer is able to control harmful elements found in plant tissues. According to the measurement results, it becomes clear whether to introduce nitrogen fertilizers as a top dressing for your future crop.
Nitratomer "Soeks"
The most popular devices on the market for measuring harmful substances contained in food products are the devices of this particular company. This product is multifunctional and is a dosimeter-nitrate tester (2 in 1). The device operates on battery power, which can be charged from a household electrical outlet.
Due to its advantages, the Soeks nitrate tester deserves consumer reviews, as a rule, positive. This device:
- thanks to compactness it can be carried with itself;
- determines the level of nitrates and radiation;
- contains in memory a table of MPC nitrates;
- gives a sound signal when the threshold level of harmful substances is exceeded;
- produces the result within five seconds.
For those consumers who do not need the dosimeter function, the manufacturer released the NUC-019-1 nitrate tester. This is the first Russian device to be fully certified and meets all the latest requirements for devices of this class.
What are the main advantages that this Soeks nitrate tester has?
They are enclosed in:
- high speed and selectivity of the test, as well as the reliability of the results;
- simplicity and ease of use using an intuitive menu;
- the presence of auto power off;
- the absence of the need for special settings and preparation for work;
- the presence in memory of individual MPC indicators for a large list of products;
- the ability to connect to a computer via a USB port for software updates;
- thought-out configuration and design;
- compact in size and light in weight equal to 66 g.
The latest Soeks nitrate tester is designed specifically to detect excess of harmful substances in products. Users note the high sensitivity and selectivity of the device, which can warn a person about the presence of dangerous compounds.
What is the difference between this model and the previous ones? Nitrate tester "Soeks NUC-019-01" is developed using modern digital technologies. It is so compact that it can even fit in your pocket. Its work is carried out on batteries and does not require any special training. Thanks to all these qualities, the Soeks nitrate tester receives reviews from consumers and experts as the best home appliance of its kind.
This device is operated at an intuitive level with five buttons on the front panel. One of them turns the device on and off, and the rest are needed for navigation in the menu. Quickly prepare the nitratomer for operation allows a large display on which the name of the test product is selected. Selection of MPC for a specific vegetable or fruit allows you to get the most accurate test results. After the product is selected, the device performs self-tuning. The owner can only stick the probe into the test medium.
The test result and the MPC norm will appear on the screen of the device for a short period of time. At the same time, the tests will be evaluated, namely:
- nitrates are normal;
- slight excess of harmful substances;
- unacceptable concentration.
Customers are offered one more modern device manufactured by the company - the Soeks ecotester. Dosimeter, nitrate tester - these are two main functions of one device, with which you can not only determine the content of harmful elements in products, but also measure the level of radiation.
The device is equipped with a touch screen and has a built-in battery. The developers of the device supplied it with a magnet, thanks to which the nitratomer is held on the refrigerator door and is always at hand. Such a device can control the level of nitrate content in fifty-seven names of products, including mushrooms and vegetables, fresh meat and fruits.
Having acquired such a useful gadget, you will be able to check the level of nitrates in products, thereby protecting your health from poisoning with harmful substances, which, unfortunately, are often present in vegetables, fruits, etc. offered to us.