Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

 
name        Grant
status       student
age          17

Question -   I need to do an experiment to determine the amount of
nitrates in different types of fertiliser using titrations. Would you be
able to tell me a simple way to do this please.
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The simplest way to do analyze for nitrate is to use a commercial "nitrate
test kit". You can probably find them in a garden/farm supply store, or an
aquarium supply store or even a pet shop. Alternatively, you can do a google
search for 'nitrate test kit' and find a large number spanning the range of
sophistication and cost to meet your objectives -- from test papers to ion
specific electrodes. I wouldn't recommend trying to use a "lab" analytical
method that you could find in an analytical chemistry text book. In general
that would not be an efficient use of your time and effort.

Vince Calder                                                    
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