Estimation of nitric nitrogen and total nitrogen in plant tissue extracts

Abstract

Several methods for estimating nitrates by reduction to ammonia were examined. The error involved in the use of acid reducing agents in presence of amino groups was emphasised.A method based on the use of Devarda's alloy and magnesia is recommended.In the estimation of nitrates in plant extracts, etc., by this method an equal volume of rectified spirit is first added to the solution to precipitate colloidal matter. The precipitate is filtered off and an aliquot part of the filtrate containing the equivalent in nitrate nitrogen of about 0.1 gm. of KNO3 is distilled with steam for 45 minutes with 1 gm. of Devarda's alloy and ½ gm. of freshly ignited magnesia. A blank determination is essential, in which the same volume of filtrate is distilled for the same length of time with ½ gm. of magnesia.In Kjeldahl estimations in presence of nitrates, where the separate estimation of nitrates is not required, 2 c.c. of 25 per cent. NaOH may be substituted for the magnesia. Relatively this is very much less soda than Devarda recommends. The mixture in this case may be distilled directly for half-an-hour. The nitrates are thus reduced and the ammonia produced is collected before beginning the digestion with sulphuric acid.This work was carried out under the supervision of Mr F. W. Foreman to whom the author's best thanks are due for much valuable criticism and advice.