The determination of nitrates in plant materials

Abstract

1. The Valmari-Devarda method of estimating nitrates (i.e.distillation with magnesium oxide and Devarda's alloy) is unsatisfactory in presence of organic matter. Attempts to make it quantitative under these conditions by modifications of alkali and temperature proved unsuccessful.2. Two new methods for the estimation of nitrate in plant juices are described. The first depends on the use of Devarda's alloy in cold weakly alkaline solutions, the second on the reducing power of titanous hydroxide, under conditions suitable for use with plant products.