customercare@laballey.com
512-668-9918
How to Dispose of Nitric Acid
In this article, we’ll address specifically how to dispose of nitric acid. Like most acids, nitric acid can be neutralized prior to disposal. This chemical reaction greatly reduces the hazardous risks of nitric acid, helping your business to comply with the three tenants of proper waste disposal. The reaction must be completed safely, which we’ll explain in this article.
Lab Alley
Lab Alley
Proper disposal of chemical reagents is essential for three reasons:
- Legal complianceWorker and environmental safety
- Minimizing business/laboratory expenses
- All labs and businesses working with hazardous chemicals must comply with the regulations set in place by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and local jurisdiction.
These regulations are in place to minimize risks to workers handling hazardous chemicals.Chemical waste disposal can be expensive for labs and businesses. Businesses must schedule waste pick-up from a hazardous waste disposal company. Minimizing your hazardous waste is one way to cut business costs. It will also reduce costs from replacing expired or spilled reagents.
An Overview Of Nitric Acid
Nitric acid is a colorless acid with a strong acidic character and molecular formula HNO3. Other names of nitric acid include the spirit of niter, and aqua fortis (Latin for “strong water”). Nitric acid, in its pure form, appears colorless but with time, it might turn into a yellow cast.
Concentrated solution (69-71%) of nitric acid breaks down over time emitting yellow or brownish smoke or vapor (fumes) of nitrogen dioxide giving it’s the name of fuming acid. Nitric acid turns blue litmus red, is among the strongest oxidizing agents, and readily forms an aqueous solution.
Concentrated Nitric Acid 70% Solution (68 -70% HNO₃), ACS Reagent Grade
Lab-scale synthesis methods of nitric acid include the reaction of sodium nitrate with sulfuric acid. Nitric acid is obtained by distillation of the reaction mixture. Industrial-scale production of nitric acid is largely by a combination of oxygen with ammonia. This produces oxides of nitrogen that are absorbed in water to produce nitric acid.
Nitric acid fumes are corrosive and poisonous to humans having an irritating odor. Exposure to nitric acid is dangerous and can lead to irritation of the eyes, skin, and mucous membrane. Long-term exposure can lead to delayed pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, bronchitis, and dental erosion.
Nitric acid is a common reagent used in laboratories, research facilities, and manufacturing operations. Common applications include the manufacture of ammonium nitrate used in making fertilizers. Other examples include the synthesis of dyes and explosives like TNT. Nitric acid is also used in the synthesis of plastics and polymers.
Where to restock on nitric acid
Now that you’ve disposed of your expired or degraded nitric acid, you will need to restock with a high-quality replacement from a supplier you trust. Lab Alley offers high quality nitric acid at competitive pricing, with a no-hassle ordering process, and fast delivery.
Conclusion
Chemical waste disposal can be expensive for labs and businesses. Businesses must schedule waste pick-up from a hazardous waste disposal company. Minimizing your hazardous waste is one way to cut business costs. It will also reduce costs from replacing expired or spilled reagents.