Cadmium reduction converts which of the following?

Cadmium reduction is a specific analytical process used primarily in the context of wastewater analysis for the measurement of nitrate concentrations. In this process, nitrate ions (NO3-) are reduced to nitrite ions (NO2-). This reduction is facilitated by cadmium as a catalyst in a reaction that transforms the nitrate into nitrite, allowing for quantification of nitrate levels in the sample.

This conversion is crucial for understanding nitrogen levels in wastewater, as nitrates can have significant environmental impacts if they enter water bodies untreated. The ability to accurately measure and convert nitrates is important for regulatory compliance and environmental protection, making the process highly relevant to wastewater management.

Understanding this process highlights the distinction between nitrates and nitrites and emphasizes the role of cadmium in facilitating this specific conversion within the analytical framework used by wastewater lab analysts.