USGS-NWQL: I-5553:  Nitrogen, ammonia plus organic, total-in-bottom-material, dry wt, titration

  • Summary
  • Analytes
  • Revision
  • Data and Sites
Official Method Name
Nitrogen, ammonia plus organic, titrimetric, digestion-distillation
Current Revision
Oct-90
Media
SOILS/SEDIMENT
Instrumentation
Titration
Method Subcategory
Inorganic
Method Source
  USGS-NWQL
Citation
M.J. Fishman, 1993, Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory--Determination of inorganic and organic constituents in water and fluvial sediments: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 93-125
Brief Method Summary
The sample is subjected to a digestion whereby all organic nitrogen-containing compounds are converted to ammonium salts. The resulting mixture is then made strongly alkaline, and the ammonia so formed is distilled from the mixture into a solution of boric acid and subsequently determined by titration with standard sulfuric acid solution.
Scope and Application
This method may be used for analysis of bottom material containing at least 10 mg/kg of total ammonia plus organic nitrogen. Only that portion of bottom material that passes a 2-mm sieve is taken for analysis (method P-0810, sub-sampling, bottom material, coring).
Applicable Concentration Range
NA
Interferences
There are no known interferences with this method.
Quality Control Requirements
Standardize sulfuric acid titrant with sodium carbonate primary standard solution
Sample Handling
Container Description: 500 mL polypropylene bottle, wide mouth.
Treatment and Handling: Chill and maintain 4 degrees C and ship immediately.
Maximum Holding Time
30 days
Relative Cost
Less than $50
Sample Preparation Methods