Recent Advances in the Determination of Nitrite Ion in Environmental Samples

Abstract

Nitrite ion in environmental samples is determined generally by colorimetry, fluorometry (FL), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and in some cases by the chemiluminescence method, differential pulse polarography and potentiometry using an ion selective electrode, etc. Except for a few instances the determination is performed after the derivatization of nitrite ion to a proper species such as an azo dye, benzotriazole, tetrazolophthalazine (Tetra-P), an aryl halide, an aromatic nitro or nitroso compound, and nitrate ion. In this review, the analytical methods and the procedures for the determination of nitrite ion are introduced from the current literatures, and the scope and limitations of each method are discussed from a viewpoint of practical use.