Nitrites are readily oxidised in the environment and natural waters to nitrates and are therefore only found naturally in reduced oxygen environments, often as a result of the action of bacterial reduction of nitrate. Nitrites are extremely toxic to fish and aquatic organisms.

Nitrite in water, often in the form of Sodium Nitrite, is used at concentrations in excess of 200 ppm as an anodic corrosion inhibitor in closed recirculating water systems . Its ability to "scavenge" free oxygen reduces the possibility of pipework and heat exchanger corrosion occuring.

Kittiwakes titrator , photometer, comparator are designed to determine concentrations of nitrites in water in closed systems and are not affected by the presence of antifreeze additives such as monopropylene and monoethylene glycol . Simple and economical nitrite tests can also be performed with the Kittiwake drop test or test strips .

The table below gives a chart of recommended tests.
R = Recommended X = Suitable for use

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