Method 352.1

Nitrogen, Nitrate (Colorimetric, Brucine)


This method is for the determination of nitrogen, nitrate in drinking, surface and saline waters, domestic and industrial wastes. The method is based upon the reaction of the nitrate ion with brucine sulfate in a 13 N sulfuric acid solution at a temperature of 100°C. The color of the resulting complex is measured colorimetrically at 410 nm. Temperature control of the color reaction is extremely critical.

Modification can be made to remove or correct for turbidity, color, salinity, or dissolved organic compounds in the sample. The applicable range of concentrations is 0.1 to 2 mg nitrate-nitrogen/liter. 


(EPA: Office of Water)

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Method Data

Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation
Holding Time:   48 hours from sample collection to analysis.
Preservatives:   Refrigeration at 4°C and if samples will be stored for more than 24 hours, preserve with concentrated sulfuric acid (2 mL per liter) and refrigerate.
Required Preps:   250 mL HDPE or amber glass bottle
Collection Method:   Grab sampling
Analytical Methodology:   Spectrophotometer or filter photometer
Documentation:   352.1

Analyte List*

Analyte Formula CAS Number Detection Limit
Nitrate
NO3
14797-55-8
0.1
 mg/L
Nitrogen
N2
7727-37-9
0.1
 mg/L

* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.