Determination of nitrate by flow-injection analysis with an on-line anion-exchange column

Nitrate (? 6 × 10^-4 M) is determined by displacing thiocyanate froman anion-exchange mini-column and determining it spectrophotometrically after reaction with iron (III). The efficiency of lead- and silver-loaded ion-exchange columns in removing anionic interferences is investigated. It is found necessary to incorporate a copperized cadmium reductor to reduce lead or silver ions released by these columns, which otherwise depress the nitrate response. Incorporation of a lead/silver ion-exchange column allows the determination of nitrate in tap water.