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Title: USING THE BERTHELOT METHOD FOR NITRITE AND NITRATE ANALYSIS

Author
item SIMS, GERALD

Submitted to: Soil Science Society of America Journal
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/31/2006
Publication Date: 4/19/2006
Citation: Sims, G.K. 2006. Using the berthelot method for nitrite and nitrate analysis. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 70(3):1038.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The indophenol-blue or Berthelot method for ammonium analysis can be used indirectly for the determination of nitrite and nitrate after initial reduction of these species with Devarda’s alloy. Since this approach subjects nitrate determination to interferences normally associated with ammonium analysis, it is especially important for users to be aware of improvements in the chemistry of the Berthelot reaction when using this application. Herein are described several improvements and advisories regarding the use of the Berthelot method in this application to improve accuracy, throughput, and environmental health and safety.