Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Nitrite and Nitrate Levels in Broccoli and Cauliflower with Different Fertilization Treatment

Abstract

Both broccoli and cauliflower are plants that are widely cultivated and consumed. The vegetable also contains Nitrite and Nitrite, which have a negative impact on human health because of the carcinogenic effect. Levels of Nitrite and Nitrate in vegetable are dependent on several factors, one of them is fertilization. The objective of this research is to determine the levels of Nitrite and Nitrate in broccoli and cauliflower without fertilization and with fertilization (natural and chemical). Samples were planted broccoli and cauliflower with different fertilization treatment. Determination of Nitrite and Nitrate levels were done by the colorimetric method (visible spectrophotometric) by using N-(1-Naphthyl) Ethylenediamine Dihydrochloride and Sulfanilic Acid as the dyes and measured at the maximum absorbance wavelength (540 nm) and on the operating time between 11 minutes to 18 minutes. Nitrite and Nitrate levels in various fertilization treatments of broccoli and cauliflower were different significantly. Nitrite and Nitrate levels in broccoli and cauliflower without fertilization are lower than Nitrite and Nitrate levels in broccoli and cauliflower with fertilization. Nitrite and Nitrate levels in broccoli and cauliflower with natural fertilizer fertilization are lower than Nitrite and Nitrate levels in broccoli and cauliflower with chemical fertilizer fertilization.