Chemicals that form from reaction between nitrate and sodium thiosulfate

Question

I need help to know how i can know the product (what equipment should i use) that produced from the reaction between nitrate that contaminate the water and sodium thiosulfate.
I want to know whether these chemicals are harmful to human beings or not.
Thank you

Paul Savage · Answer

Adel,
What is your overall project or problem?
I'm a chemist with 30yrs experience in water treatment.
Nitrate is easily removed by ion exchange resin, or by biological means, we can assist.
paul.savage@aquasol.com.au

Ian Pearson · Answer

I am not a chemist, but in general thiosulphate (a strong reducing agent) will react with an oxidizing agent.  Nitrate is not generally an oxidizing agent, and it can be expected that the thiosulphate could react with the cation associated with the nitrate (e.g. iron Fe).  The resultant products will tend to be the reduced form of the cation, together with a sulphate or sulphite.  Nitrate at greater than say 20 mg/l in drinking water is harmful to human beings - especially babies and toddlers.   thiosulphate being a strong reducing agent will be reactive to compounds that can be reduced, which may not be good for the environment.  Under some conditions (usually requiring heat) the nitrate itself can be reduced to nitrogen dioxide which is a noxious gas and hence should be in a well ventilated area.

Taxonomy