Application of High-Resolution Continuum Source Molecular Absorption Spectrometry for the Determination of Nitrite and Nitrate Nitrogen

Abstract

A simple, fast and reliable analytical method was developed for nitrite and nitrate determination by high-resolution continuum source electrothermal molecular absorption spectrometry by making use of the NO molecule. The NO spectral line at 215.360 nm was used for analytical measurements. A volume of 20 μL of standard solution or water sample was injected into the graphite furnace and 5 μL of the 1% (m/v) Ca solution was co-injected as a chemical modifier. The pyrolysis and vaporization temperatures were 160 °C and 1300 °C, respectively. The certified reference material data obtained by flow-through coulometry are in good agreement with those measured by HR-CS GFMAS. The results obtained by analyzing a certified reference material imply the suitability of the determination of total nitrite and nitrate nitrogen using the NO molecule.