Microdetermination of nitrates and nitrites-III Gasometric and gravimetric methods based on reduction with formic acid

Simple microgasometric and gravimetric methods for the determination of the nitrate and nitrite groups are described. These are based on reduction with formic acid whereby one mole of nitrous oxide and four moles of carbon dioxide are simultaneously liberated per two moles of nitrate; two moles of nitrous oxide and six moles of carbon dioxide are liberated per seven moles of nitrite. Nitrous oxide is measured gasometrically and carbon dioxide gravimetrically. Results accurate to +/- 0.2% absolute are obtained for both nitrate and nitrite.