Unlike the other tests described on this page, the test for carbonate ions works whatever acid is added. Explain why, in a test for sulfate ions, the sample is acidified with hydrochloric acid first.

Nitrate ion is a common pollutant produced by municipal waste treatment systems, agricultural run-offs, and livestock waste. Although an essential component of fertilizers and necessary for growing ...

The protein NRT1.1 transports nitrate ions into plants over a wide range of concentrations. Two studies provide structural insight into this unusual behaviour, but give different explanations for it.