A novel approach to non-segmented flow analysis: Part 3. Nitrate, nitrite and ammonium in waters

Abstract

A high-performance continuous-flow analyser is used for the analysis of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium ion in potable waters. The results demonstrate that (1) the analyser allows the sequential determination of a number of analytes without requiring modification to the manifold; (2) the use of programmed slicing of the reaction mixture allows a wide range of analyte concentrations to be handled; and (3) that the sensitivity achieved compares favourably with the best available from conventional flow-injection analysis. The limits of detection were found to be 5 ppb for NH₄⁺, 30 ppb for NO₃^-, and 4 ppb for NO₂^-.