Potassium Nitrate : Scientific Essay

    In today’s modern world, numerous crystals undoubtedly play substantial roles in men’s existence. Each of them has its own characteristics and features that are designed for specific purposes. Hereafter, one of those crystals that are truly significant in one’s life is the potassium nitrate. Digging deeper into the broadest sense, how is this crystal formed? What are its advantages and drawbacks? What could be done to uphold its beneficial uses and avoid its harmful effects?

    Potassium nitrate is a compound of potassium with the molecular formula KNO3. This colorless and odorless chemical compound is locally known as saltpeter or niter. Its liquid form boils at 400 degrees Celsius and its solid form melts at 333 degrees Celsius. It is soluble in water and reacts with various chemicals except for phosphides, organic compounds, heavy metals, and strong acids (Kevin, 2017). This crystalline salt resembles table salt. Gale (2006) proposes that it may be crystalline or powdery with a sharp, cool, and salty taste. Potassium nitrate is formed commercially by reacting potassium chloride (KCl) with nitric acid (HNO3) at high temperatures. Wallace (2017) states that potassium nitrate forms naturally in warm climates. Bacteria from the decomposition of feces, urine, and plants combine with air, moisture, plant ash, and alkaline soil undergo nitrification, the conversion of the decaying matter into nitrates that penetrate the soil. Dissolved by rainwater, the evaporated deposits form a white powder. Once boiling and evaporating wash impurities away, potassium nitrate is ready for practical uses. Additionally, ScienceStruck states that it is naturally formed in thin white crusts on rocks, caves, and soil types that are rich in organic matter. Nowadays, according to Survival Manual (2008), using urine and organic matter like cut grass is an old school method for manufacturing saltpeter. However, it is not as simple as just mixing the substituents but a long process that takes months.

    As time passes by, saltpeter has been used for copious essential things that are useful for humans. Foremost, it is utilized as a component of medicine (Kevin, 2017). Researchers have discovered the potential of potassium nitrate as a medicine to lower blood pressure if taken under medical supervision in small dosages. To add up, it is also applied in therapeutic purposes. Kinds of toothpaste are intended to prevent caries and to reduce painful sensitivity. Such products contain up to 5% potassium nitrate as a tooth desensitizing ingredient. In a study, twenty-four periodontal patients with postoperative hypersensitive dentin were treated by burnishing saturated potassium nitrate to relieve pain. As thirty-six regions involving 98 teeth were assessed, a significant reduction of sensitivity and pain was achieved by using a saturated KNO3 solution (Touyz and Stern, 1999). According to Toms of Maine, as cited in Rao (2017), a manufacturer of natural kinds of toothpaste, potassium nitrate is clinically proven effective in reducing pain by shielding the sensory nerves under the gum line. Similarly, Haywood et al (2005) find several patients who used KNO3 plus fluoride toothpaste were significantly more satisfied with their whitening experience and willing to repeat the bleaching treatment. Furthermore, potassium nitrate is used as a diuretic, a substance that increases the flow of urine from the body. It is also correspondingly added to drugs for back and joint pain. In agriculture, as cited in the page Bulagric (2016), potassium nitrate helps to produce great yields in agricultural crops. The potassium ion helps the cells to build a thicker wall which increases the ability of the plant to resist frost. Moreover, using potassium nitrate as fertilizer promotes the growth of branches of a root system that can absorb water from the soil easily. Furthermore, potassium nitrate helps the plant reserve water for the reason that it is responsible for the function of the stomata, which controls the opening and closing of its pores. It reduces transpiration and minimizes its water requirements. It is beneficially utilized as a pyrotechnic fumigant as a potassium nitrate serves as an ingredient in various insecticides, rodenticides, and pesticides (Rao, 2017). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), their target pests include ground-nesting wasps, rodents, skunks, and coyotes. In addition, the saltpeter compound can be used as explosive agents. Substances that are energetically unstable and can produce a sudden expansion of the material, called an explosion, which is accompanied by heat, pressure, and noise (Gale, 2006). The mixture of 15% carbon, 10% sulfur, and 75% potassium nitrate resulted in the Chinese Snow or commonly known as gunpowder which is used to make fireworks, grenades, bombs, and ingredients for amateur solid-rocket propellant. Likewise, KNO3 can be utilized as a meat preservative that helps meats retain their bright red color (Gale, 2006). Additionally, according to ScienceStruck, the usage of potassium nitrate as food preservatives was commonly seen during the Middle Ages. Today, it is used in many processes like curing meat, production of brine, and making corned beef. It is also utilized to produce kinescope, optical glass, and high-grade craft glassware. As well, it is extensively useful in metalworking as a flux and in the preservation of hides. Going to a bigger aspect, according to Potassium Nitrate Association (2018), saltpeter, especially when mixed with sodium nitrate, is a vital storage medium for storing thermal energy in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants. Solar energy is a renewable, green energy source that is used as an alternative, environmentally friendly energy source to reduce the effects of global warming. Lastly, one of the most deadly substances known to mankind is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Seven million times more toxic than cobra venom, botulin poisons its victims by blocking the action of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Fortunately, botulism can be prevented by the appropriate use of potassium nitrite (Schwarcz, 2017)

    On the other hand, although saltpeter provides numerous substantial uses to mankind, it also has its drawbacks. According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation as cited in Rao (2017), too many potassium nitrates can cause negative health effects. Potassium nitrate allegedly has been known to weaken male libido, the sexual drive (Kevin, 2017). According to Science Encyclopedia, it is claimed that when ingested, saltpeter has a sexual-desire-reducing effect. If taken in large doses, it can be fatal. The lethal oral dose of potassium nitrate for an adult has been estimated to be between 4 and 30g (Poisons Information Monograph, 1996). Additionally, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (2015), the substance decomposes on heating producing nitrogen oxides and oxygen which increases fire hazard. Although it is not combustible, it enhances the combustion of other substances. The International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) website as cited in Wallace (2017) states that breathing potassium nitrate can cause coughing and sore throat, and contact with the eyes or skin can cause redness and pain. According to Gale (2006), ingestion can cause abdominal pain, dizziness, labored breathing, confusion, headache, nausea, and unconsciousness. 

    Somehow, there are several ways to avoid its harmful effects. Given the fact that saltpeter is a fire inducing agent, one must store it on an enclosed secured cabinet away from children. Combustible and flammable substances must be kept away from potassium nitrate. Furthermore, facilities that use this crystal compound must have fire extinguishers intended to eliminate chemical fires. Likewise, individuals with operations and jobs involving potassium nitrate must wear a breathing protection mask, protective gloves, safety goggles, and wash hands before eating. People exposed to the compound should remove any contaminated clothing, and flush the area with clean water and soap. Unless directed by a physician, avoid taking potassium nitrate internally. One must be mindful of applying Salpeter in food and must have enough knowledge of the desired amount for long term risk avoidance. Succinctly speaking, those harmful effects are related to one’s negligence. Hence, prevention of those disadvantages can be rooted in careful and mindful utilization. On the other side, there are various ways to promote beneficial uses. In today’s digital age, technology has been widely used in information dissemination. As a responsible and competent Augustinian in terms of modern technology, one must promote potassium nitrate’s beneficial uses through social media. A share and like can inform voluminous people about this useful crystal. Furthermore, food industries must continue their mindful application of saltpeter to uphold quality preserved meat products ensuring people’s health. Agriculturists must gradually develop the utilization of KNO3 to improve the agricultural sector of our country. Farmers should be given proper seminars and training in using potassium nitrate in producing greater yield. The health sector must maintain the innovations of saltpeter as medicine that will contribute meaningfully to a healthier world. Summing up, these ways can absolutely turn potassium nitrate as one of the most valued crystals in the realm of mankind. 

    Potassium nitrate undoubtedly plays a vital role in our world nowadays. Saltpeter is vastly applied in medicine, agriculture, food industry, glassware manufacturing, explosive agent, metal works, storing thermal energy, and prevention of one of the most deadly substances known. However, it has its shortcomings as this crystal compound can induce fire, weaken sexual drive, coughing and sore throat when inhaled, redness and pain when contacted to eyes or skin, and abdominal pain, dizziness, and unconsciousness when ingested. Those harmful effects can be prevented with careful and mindful usage. Moreover, its beneficial application must be disseminated in the cyber world. The agricultural, medicine, and food industries should continue their development and innovations of KNO3 prior to its application to each field. Lastly, this potassium nitrate improves people’s living standards. Hence, all of us are urged to appreciate, value, conserve, and preserve this substantial crystal.

More about Potassium Nitrate:

Bibliography 

Bulagric (2016) Potassium Nitrate http://bulagric.com/product/potassium-nitrate/

Gale, T. (2006) Chemical Compounds Potassium Nitrate

Haywood, V., Clin J. et al (2005) Dent 16 (1): 17-22

Kevin, S. (2017 October 03) Livestrong Physics, About Potassium Nitrate 

   https://www.livestrong.com/article/104152-potassium-nitrate/ 

Potassium Nitrate Association (2018) Uses of potassium nitrate https://www.PNA.com/What-are-the-        uses-for-potassium-nitrate

Poisons Information Monograph (1996 September) Nitrates and nitrites. 

    http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/chemical/pimg016.htm

Rao, N. (2017, Nov 27) What are the uses for potassium nitrate? http://www.kno3.org/about-potassium-nitrate/uses-of-potassium-nitrate

Schwarcz, J. (2017, 20 March) What is saltpeter used for and is it true it reduces certain “carnal urges? 

    https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/history-you-asked/what-saltpeter-used-and-it-true-it-reducescertain-carnal-urges 

ScienceStruck, Potassium Nitrate Uses https://sciencestruck.com/potassium-nitrate-uses 

Survival Manual (2008) How to Make Saltpeter http://www.survival-manual.com/saltpeter.php 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (2015, July 22) Potassium Nitrate https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0184.html 

Touyz, L. and Stern, J. (1999) Gen Dent 47 (1): 42-5 Wallace, K. (2017, April 24) What Are Some Natural Sources of Potassium Nitrate?