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Method for Nitrate Reductase Nitrate-Nitrogen Analysis

1.

2.

Scope and Application

1.1

This test method is applicable to the determination of nitrate plus nitrite (as nitrogen) in
surface water, saltwater (saline), ground water, wastewater, and any aqueous solution
containing nitrate.

1.2

The standard range of this test method is from 0.05 to 5 mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen.
Samples with greater than 5 mg N/L may be diluted with deionized water (nitrate-free)
to bring them into the range of the test method. In addition, for samples with nitrate-N
content lower than 0.05 mg N/L, the sample volume used in the test may be increased
for a low range test method from 0.01 to 1.0 mg N/L.

1.3

Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) procedures and criteria are
delineated. .

1.4

This description of the test method does not purport to address all safety concerns
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this test method to
establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.

Summary of Method
2.1

Reduction of nitrate in the sample is accomplished by using eukaryotic nitrate

reductase (EC 1.1.7.1-3; NaR) to catalyze the conversion of nitrate to nitrite in the
presence of NADH or NADPH as reductant, in a biochemical buffer with a pH near
neutrality (Campbell et al., 2006).

2.2

The combined nitrite (both original nitrite and that generated by reduction of nitrate to
nitrite) is reacted with sulfanilamide and subsequent coupling with
N-(1-napthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride to yield a pink color. The absorbance
of the chromophore is measured at ~540 nm in a spectrophotometer.

2.3

Calibrants of certified nitrate standard are treated with the reduction step and colorizing
reaction to yield a standard curve which is used to determine the nitrate-N content of
samples, expressed as mg/L nitrate N. This step insures that NaR is functioning.

2.4

Nitrite content of the sample (expressed as mg/L nitrite-N) can be determined by

omitting the reduction step and directly reacting the sample with the color dyes.

2.5

Finally, nitrate-N content can be calculated by subtracting the nitrite content (mg/L
nitrite N) from the combined nitrate plus nitrite (mg/L nitrate+nitrite N), to yield the
nitrate content (expressed as mg/L nitrate N).

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3.

4.

Definitions
3.1

Nitrate Reductase (NaR): NADH:NaR (EC1.7.1.1 and CAS 9013-03-0) with 1 unit of
enzyme activity defined as 1 mol nitrite produced per minute at 30C and pH 7 with
NADH (refer to section 3.4) as electron donor. See Note following Section 7.6 for
information on the type of NaR acceptable for this method.

3.2

Discrete Analyzer: a programmable, computer-controlled instrument that automates

wet chemical analysis by using one or more robotic arms interfaced to high-precision
volumetric dispensers to aspirate and dispense samples, standards, diluents and
reagents.

3.3

Greiss Reaction: chemical formation of an azo-dye by diazotization of nitrite ion with

sulfanilamide (CAS 63-74-1), at an acidic pH, and subsequent coupling with
N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine hydrochloride (CAS 1465-25-4).

3.4

NADH: -Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (CAS 53-54-9), is a

coenzyme found in all living cells.

3.5

EDTA: Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate dihydrate (CAS 60-00-4, a heavy metal

chelator.

Interferences
4.1

Turbid samples should be filtered prior to analysis to eliminate particulate interference.

4.2

Sample color that absorbs at wavelengths between 520 and 560 nm interferes with the
absorbance measurements. When color is suspect, analyze a sample blank, omitting the
N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride from the color reagent. Note 1: The
instrumentation described in this test method may automatically correct for some
turbidity and sample color.

4.3

Certain ions may cause interferences. See Table 1. However, the inclusion of EDTA in
the systems phosphate buffer (section 3.6 and 7.1) overcomes most, if not all, of these
heavy metal interferences.

4.4

Comprehensive studies of this method, which include analysis of interferences, have

been published (Patton and Kryskalla, 2011; 2013).

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5.

6.

Safety
5.1

General laboratory safe practices should be used in handling all samples and reagents
in this test method.

5.2

When preparing the sulfanilamide color reagent in hydrochloric acid (section 7.4), the
user should handle the concentrated hydrochloric acid with extra caution and wear
heavy gloves and eye protection. The prepared sulfanilamide color reagent should also
be handled with caution since it is ~3 N hydrochloric acid.

5.3

Potassium nitrite is toxic if swallowed, and laboratory tests suggest that it may be
mutagenic or teratogenic. Gloves and safety glasses are used when handling potassium
nitrite.

5.4

Potassium nitrate, unlike potassium nitrite, is not toxic to humans, unless one is
chronically exposed to nitrate such as in your drinking water or food. Potassium nitrate
will not explode on its own. However, it is recommended that standard laboratory
safety practices such as the use of safety glasses and gloves be used when handling it.

Equipment and Supplies

6.1

7.

Automated Discrete Analysis System (see section 3.2).

Reagents and Standards

7.1

Phosphate Buffer Solution: Dissolve 3.75 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate

(KH2PO4; CAS 7778-77-0), 0.01 g of disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate dihydrate
(C10H14O8N2Na22H2O), and 1.4 g potassium hydroxide (KOH; CAS 1310-58-3) in
about 500 mL reagent water contained in a 1000 mL volumetric flask, dilute to the
mark and mix. Transfer this solution to a screw-cap container and store at 4C. This
solution is stable for 6 months.

7.2

-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (NADH) stock solution (2mg/mL):

dissolve 0.1 g NADH in 25 mL of reagent water contained in a 50 mL volumetric
flask, dilute to the mark and mix. Transfer 1-mL aliquots to 1.5 mL snap-cap colorless
polypropylene vials and store at -20C. Stable for 1 month. Note: NADH is a
hygroscopic white powder that is freely soluble in water. The solids are stable if stored
dry and protected from light. Neutral solutions are colorless and stable for 1 week if
stored at 4C, but decompose rapidly under basic or acidic conditions.

7.3

NADH working solution: thaw one 1-mL vial of NADH stock (refer to section 7.2) and
dilute to 10 mL with phosphate buffer (refer to section 7.1). This reagent is stable for
about 8 hours. Prepare sufficient NADH working solution for the number of samples

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and standards to be analyzed. NOTE: NADH inhibits color formation in the Greiss
reaction (refer to section 3.3). The molar concentration of NADH in the reduction
medium should be about twice that of the highest calibration standard.
7.4

Sulfanilamide (SAN) Reagent (10g/L): While stirring constantly add 300 mL of

concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl, 37% w/v)) and 10 g of sulfanilamide to about
500 mL reagent water contained in a 1000 mL volumetric flask, dilute to the mark and
mix. This solution is stable for about six months when stored in a brown bottle at 20C.

7.5

N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (NED) solution (1g/L): dissolve 1 g

NED in about 500 mL reagent water contained in a 1000 mL volumetric flask, dilute to
the mark and mix. Transfer to a glass or amber screw-cap container. This solution is
stable for 6 months at 20C.

7.6

Nitrate Reductase (NaR): follow the manufacturers instructions for preparing a

solution of 1 unit NaR (refer to section 3.1) activity per mL of phosphate buffer (refer
to section 10.1). Dilute 3 units NaR to 20 mL with phosphate buffer. Store the solution
at 2-6C, where it is stable for 8 hours. Prepare sufficient NaR for the total number of
samples and standards to be analyzed. NOTE: For some NaR forms, high phenolic
content humic substances ( >2 mg dissolved organic carbon /L) have little effect on the
NaR activity in the temperature range of 5-15C, but become increasingly inhibitory in
the temperature range of 20-40C (Patton and Kryskalla, 2011; 2013) . Humic
substances at the operation temperatures specified in this test method do not inhibit
other forms of NaR, such as recombinant AtNaR2 (Campbell et al., 2006). If humic
acids are expected to be present, the user must verify reduction efficiency of the NaR in
use by analysis of Quality Control checks that approximate the sample matrix.

7.7

Nitrate Solution, Stock (1000 mg/L NO3-N): Dry potassium nitrate (KNO3) in an oven
at 105C for 24 h. Dissolve 7.218 g in water in about 500 mL reagent water contained
in a 1000 mL volumetric flask, dilute to the mark and mix. This solution is stable for
up to 2 months with refrigeration. Alternatively, certified nitrate stock solutions are
commercially available through chemical supply vendors and may be used.

7.8

Nitrate Solution, Standard (10 mg/L NO3-N): Dilute 10 mL of stock nitrate solution
(7.7) to 1 L with Deionized water and store in a dark bottle. Prepare fresh as needed.

7.9

Nitrite Solution, Stock (1000mg/L NO2-N): Place about 7 g of potassium nitrite

(KNO2) in a tared 125-mL beaker and dry for about 24 h to a constant weight in a
desiccator containing a suitable desiccant. Adjust the weight of the dry potassium
nitrite to 6.072 g. Add 50 mL of water to the beaker, stir until dissolved, and transfer
quantitatively to a 1000-mL volumetric flask. Dilute to the mark with deionized water
and store in a sterilized bottle under refrigeration. Prepare fresh as needed.
Alternatively, certified nitrite stock solutions are commercially available through
chemical supply vendors and may be used. NOTE: Potassium nitrite is easily oxidized;
use only dry, free flowing white, or yellowish white crystalline powder of this reagent.

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7.10 Nitrite Solution, Standard (10 mg/L NO2-N): Dilute 10 mL of stock nitrite solution
(7.9) to 1 L with water. This solution is unstable; prepare fresh as needed.

8.

Sample Collection, Preservation, and Storage

.

9.

8.1

Sample preservation and holding time requirements for wastewater samples or other
samples to be used for compliance monitoring under the Clean Water Act.

8.1.1

For nitrate: Chill the sample to 6 C and analyze within 48 hours of collection.

8.1.2

For nitrite: Chill the sample to 6 C and analyze within 48 hours of collection.

8.1.3

For nitrate-nitrite: Acidify to pH <2 with H2SO4 at the time of collection, and
analyze within 28 days of collection.

8.2.

In all cases, samples should be analyzed as soon as possible after collection.

Quality Control (QC)

9.1

To be certain that analytical values obtained using the test method are valid and
accurate within the confidence limits of the test, the following QC procedures must be
followed when analyzing nitrite-nitrate in water.

9.2

Initial Demonstration of Performance (IDP): IDP is used to characterize instrument

performance and laboratory performance prior to performing analyses by this test
method and periodically as specified below. The laboratory must complete the IDP
tests and demonstrate compliance with the acceptance standards before beginning to
analyze samples.
9.2.1 Linear Calibration Range (LCR): LCR must be determined initially and
verified every six months or whenever a significant change in the instrument response
is expected or observed. The initial demonstration of linearity must employ a number
of standards sufficient to insure that the results are linear. Verification of linearity
must use a minimum of a blank and three standards. If any verification data exceeds
the nominal value of the standard by 10%, linearity must be reestablished. If any
portion of the linearity test range is found to be nonlinear, sufficient standards must be
used to clearly define the linear range.
9.2.2 Quality Control Sample (QCS): QCS is a standard of known concentration
from an external source and different from calibration standards. QCS must be
analyzed initially and quarterly or as required to meet QC requirements. If the QCS
analysis result is not within 10% of the known concentration, the test has failed. The
source of the problem must be identified and corrected before continuing with IDP.

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9.2.3 Method Detection Limit (MDL): The MDL must be established for the
analyte using reagent water (blank) fortified at a concentration near the detection limit
of the instrument. Perform the MDL study according to 40 CFR Part 136 Appendix
B. Samples should be prepared using reagent water fortified with nitrate at a
concentration between 1 to 5 times the expected MDL. First, calibrate the instrument
(see section 9.3). MDL is determined by analyses of seven replicates of fortified
reagent water (spiked) and processed through the entire analytical method. Calculate
the replicates analyte concentration in system units using the instrument calibration
(see Section 10). Calculate MDL as follows:
MDL = (t) x (S)
Where,
t = Students t value for a 99% confidence level and a standard deviation estimate
with n-1 degrees of freedom (t = 3.143 for seven replicates) and
S = standard deviation of the seven replicate analyses.
If the concentration of the sample (spike) used to determine the MDL is greater than
5X the calculated MDL repeat the MDL determination at a lower concentration for the
sample (spike) studied. MDL should be determined every six months, when a new
operator begins work, or whenever there is a significant change in the background or
instrument response.
9.3

Calibration and Calibration Verification: Prior to the analysis of samples, calibrate

the instrument using at least four working standards containing concentrations of
nitrate in water that bracket the expected sample concentration. Before each analysis,
verify the calibration with a mid-range second source calibrant (SSC) from an external
source and different from calibration standards. The result should fall within 10 % of
the known concentration. If the SSC is not within 10%, determine the problem, and
recalibrate the instrument.

9.4

Initial Performance and Recovery (IPR): If a laboratory has not performed this test
method before, or if there has been a major change in the measurement system, for
example, new analyst, new instrument, and so forth, a precision and bias study must be
performed to demonstrate laboratory capability. Analyze four replicates of a standard
solution prepared from a Certified Independent Reference Material (CRM) containing a
mid-range concentration of nitrite-nitrate in water. The matrix and chemistry of the
solution should be equivalent to the solution used in the collaborative study. Each
replicate must be taken through the complete analytical test method including any
sample preservation and pretreatment steps. Calculate the mean and standard deviation
of the four values and compare to the acceptable ranges provided by the manufacturer
of the CRM. Do not use this test method to analyze samples unless the IPR recoveries
are within the accepted limits.

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9.5

Ongoing Performance and Recovery Sample (OPR): To ensure that the test method
is in control, analyze a OPR containing a mid-range concentration of nitrite-nitrate in
water with each batch or 10 samples. If large numbers of samples are analyzed in the
batch, analyze the OPR after every 10 samples. The OPR must be taken through all of
the steps of the analytical method including sample preservation and pretreatment. The
result obtained for the OPR shall fall within 10% of the known concentration. If the
result is not within these limits, analysis of samples is halted until the problem is
corrected, and either all the samples in the batch must be reanalyzed, or the results
must be qualified with an indication that they do not fall within the performance
criteria of the test method.

9.6

Method Blank: Analyze a reagent water test blank with each batch or 10 samples.
The concentration of nitrite-nitrate in water found in the blank should be less than the
MDL. If the concentration of nitrite-nitrate in water is found above this level, analysis
of samples is halted until the contamination is eliminated, and a blank shows no
contamination at or above this level, or the results must be qualified with an indication
that they do not fall within the performance criteria of the test method.

9.7

Matrix Spike (MS) and Matrix Spike Duplicate (MSD): To check for interferences
in the specific matrix being tested, perform MS and MSD on at least one sample from
each batch by spiking an aliquot of the sample with a known concentration of nitritenitrate in water and taking it through the analytical method. The spike concentration
plus the background concentration of nitrite-nitrate in water must not exceed the high
calibration standard. The spike must produce a concentration in the spiked sample that
is 2 to 5 times the nitrite-nitrate in water concentration in the unspiked sample, or 10 to
50 times the detection limit of the test method, whichever is greater.
Calculate the percent recovery of the spike (P) using the following formula:

P 100

[ A (V s V ) ( B V s )]
C V

In this equation, A = nitrite+nitrate concentration (mg/L) in spiked samples,

B = nitrite+nitrate concentration (mg/L) in unspiked samples,
C = nitrite+nitrate concentration (mg/L) in the spiking solution, Vs = sample volume
(mL) used, and V = added spiking solution volume (mL).
Calculate the relative percent difference (RPD) between two sample results using the
following equation:
RPD

D1 D 2
(D1

x 100

D 2) / 2

Where, D1 = Concentration of analyte in the MS, D2 = Concentration of analyte in

the MSD.

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The percent recovery of the spike shall fall within 90-110% and the RPD shall be 20
%, based on the nitrite-nitrate in water concentration. If the percent recovery and RPD
are not within these limits, a matrix interference may be present in the sample selected
for spiking. Under these circumstances, one of the following remedies must be
employed: the matrix interference must be removed, all samples in the batch must be
analyzed by a test method not affected by the matrix interference, or the results must be
qualified with an indication that they do not fall within the performance criteria of the
test method.

9.8

10.

Independent Reference Material (IRM): In order to verify the quantitative value

produced by the test method, analyze an Independent Reference Material (IRM)
submitted as a regular sample (if practical) to the laboratory at least once per quarter.
The concentration of the IRM should be in the concentration mid-range for the method
chosen. The value obtained must fall within the control limits established by the
laboratory.

Calibration and Standardization

10.1 Using the standard nitrate solution (section 7.8) prepare calibration standards by using
the automated calibration function of the discrete analyzer (section 3.2). Table 2
specifies suggested calibrants. NOTE: Most discrete analyzers generate calibration
standards and calibration curves automatically. Follow the manufacturers instructions
for calibrating with individual calibration standards, if an automatic calibration
function is not available.
10.2 Prepare at least one calibration standard from the standard nitrite solution (section
7.10) at the same concentration as one of the nitrate standards to verify the efficiency
of the reduction. Verify that reduction efficiency is greater than 90% with each batch of
enzyme. See Table 3 for an example of Reduction Efficiency Analysis.
10.3 Run the calibration analysis as described in section 11 for sample analysis.
10.4 Prepare a standard curve by plotting the absorbance of each processed calibration
standard against its known concentrations. NOTE: Most discrete analyzers generate
calibration curves automatically.

11.

Procedure
11.1 Removal of Color Interferences: If there is a possibility that the color of the sample
might absorb in the photometric range from 540 20 nm, determine the background
absorbance. NOTE: Many discrete analyzers automatically compensate for
background absorbance and turbidity on each sample. Follow the manufacturers
instructions.

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11.2 Prepare a method in the discrete analyzer software following these specifications:
11.2.1 Dispense 55 L of NaR (section 7.6) and 5 L of sample. Mix.
NOTE: Larger volumes of samples and reagents may be used while
maintaining the same ratio (See Table 4).
11.2.2 Add 12 L of NADH (section 7.3). Mix and measure the background
absorbance.
11.2.3 Incubate 600 seconds at 37C.
11.2.4 Add 25 L of SAN reagent (section 7.4). Mix and incubate 120 seconds at
37C.
11.2.5 Add 25 L of NED reagent (section 7.5). Mix and incubate 120 seconds at
37C.
11.2.6 Measure absorbance at 540 nm, using an optional background subtraction at
700 nm. If automatic background subtraction is not available, prepare a
reagent blank (with SAN only added) for background subtraction at 540 nm.
11.3 When determining nitrite alone, replace NaR reagent (section 7.6) with Phosphate
Buffer (section 7.1).

12.

Data Analysis and Calculations

12.1 Determine the concentration of nitrate or nitrite nitrogen in the samples in mg N/L
using the computer based data handler provided with the automated discrete analyzer
software. NOTE: The discrete analyzer will automatically calculate the net absorbance
by subtracting the background absorbance from the measured absorbance of the color
developed sample. Use the net absorbance to determine the concentration of nitrogen in
the sample.
12.2 Where separate values are required for nitrite-nitrogen and nitrate-nitrogen, calculate
the nitrate-nitrogen by subtracting the nitrite-nitrogen from the total nitrate-nitrite
nitrogen content.
12.3 Report the nitrogen content in mg N/L as:
Nitrite-Nitrogen (NO2-N), mg N/L;
Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO3-N), mg N/L; and
Combined Nitrate-Nitrite Nitrogen (NO3, NO2-N), mg N/L.

13.

Method Performance
13.1 A comparison of results by this method and cadmium reduction method (EPA 353.2) is
shown in Table 5A and Table 5B. Also Figure 1 presents a graphic showing the
comparison of the EPA Method 353.2 to NaR Nitrate Method for two enzyme forms
using environmental water samples.

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13.2 The performance of this method was validated by an Inter-Laboratory Study (See Plan
for Inter-Laboratory Test Trial) and preliminary results of that study are appended here.
Comparison of this Method to EPA Method 353.2 are summarized in Table 6. These
data are plotted in a comparison in Figure 2. The regression line fit for Drinking Water
matrices shown in Fig. 2A, indicates that the NaR Reduction Method results were
~95% of Cd Reduction Method for the 4 matrices. The linear regression fit for
wastewatermatrices shown in Fig. 2B, indicates that the NaR Reduction Method results
were ~98% of Cd Reduction Method for 7 matrices (WW-5 was omitted from graphic).
Basically, the two methods are equivalent. More detailed analysis of the results of the
Inter-Laboratory Validation Study of the Nitrate Reductase Reduction Method will be
published separately.

14.

Pollution Prevention
All reagents and standards should be prepared in volumes consistent with laboratory use to
minimize the generation of waste.

15.

Waste Management
All waste should be disposed of in a manner consistent with local regulations. NOTE:
This method uses very small volumes of samples and reagents and, therefore, less waste is
generated than with most analysis methods.

16.

References
Campbell, Wilbur H., P Song, GG Barbier (2006) Nitrate Reductase for Nitrate Analysis in
Water. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 4: 69-73.
Patton, C.J., and Kryskalla, J.R., 2011, Colorimetric determination of nitrate plus nitrite in
water by enzymatic reduction, automated discrete analyzer methods: U.S. Geological
Survey Techniques and Methods, book 5, chap. B8, 34 p. (Available on line at
http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/05b08/).
Patton, C.J., and Kryskalla, J.R., 2013, Analytical properties of some commercially available
nitrate reductase enzymes evaluated as replacements for cadmium in automated,
semiautomated, and manual colorimetric methods for determination of nitrate plus nitrite
in water: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 20135033, 36 p.,
http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2013/5033/.
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. 1993. Methods for Chemical
Analysis of Water and Wastes. Method 353.2. Revision 2.0. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, DC

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17.

Tables, Diagrams, Forms, Flowcharts, and Validation Data

Table 1 Determination of Nitrate in the Presence of Potential Interferences

Species

Cl-

Concentration
Added (mg/L)

Spiked
Sample
Result
(mg N/L)

(mg N/L)

0.02

0.23

0.200

105

0.17

2.54

2.50

95

0.01

0.22

0.200

105

<0.01

0.21

0.200

100

0.15

2.65

2.50

100

<0.01

0.21

0.200

105

0.14

2.53

2.50

96

0.17

2.60

2.50

97

<0.01

0.21

0.200

105

0.168

2.59

2.50

96

<0.01

0.22

0.200

110

0.14

2.64

2.50

100

<0.01

0.21

0.200

105

0.14

2.53

2.50

96

<0.01

0.22

0.200

110

0.17

2.64

2.50

99

0.01

0.22

0.200

110

0.14

2.54

2.50

96

0.23

2.45

2.50

89

Spike
Added

Percent
Recovery

500

F-

500

Br-

500

SO42-

Unspiked
Sample
Result
(mg N/L)

500
500

Fe3+
1.0

2+

Zn

Al3+

BrO3-

ClO2ClO3-

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0
1.0

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TABLE 2 Example Concentrations of Calibration Standards

NO3--N or

mL

NO 2-N,

of 10 mg N/L Standard

mg/L

per 100 mL final volume

0.01

0.1

0.05

0.5

0.1

1.0

0.5

5.0

1.0

10

2.0

20

3.0

30

5.0

50

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Table 3. Determination of Reduction Efficiency

NO2-N/L

NO3-N/L

Reduction
Efficiency

5.19

4.89

94%

5.18

4.99

96%

5.24

4.91

94%

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Table 4. Scaled sample and reagent volumes for

implementation at larger assay volumes.
Volume (L)

x1

x2

x3

x4

x5

Sample

10

15

20

25

AtNaR2

55

110

165

220

275

NADH

12

24

36

48

60

SAN

25

50

75

100

125

NED

25

50

75

100

125

122

244

366

488

610

Total Assay

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Table 5A.
Comparison of Nitrate Analysis by Cadmium Reduction (EPA Method 353.2) and the
Nitrate Reductase (NaR) Method
The Cadmium Reduction analysis of Nitrate-N plus Nitrite-N in samples was carried out using an automated
continuous flow analyzer system which meets the specifications defined in EPA Method 353.2 Revision 2.0
(EPA, 1993). The analysis was done in complete compliance with EPA Method 353.2 by OI Analytical.
The NaR Method was carried out on the OI Analytical Discrete Analyzer using AtNaR2 with a protocol
modified from the Method described herein to adapt it to this equipment, which basically involves doubling
of sample and all reagent volumes.

Sample #

Analysis by Cd
Reduction

Analysis by NaR
Reduction

Analysis by NaR
Reduction

(mg NO3+NO2-N/L)

(mg NO3+NO2-N/L)

(mg NO3+NO2-N/L)

Non-Preserved
1

0.96

0.94

0.88

0.04

0.05

0.06

0.32

0.24

0.55

0.68

0.68

0.58

10.1

11.6

Lost

0.75

0.79

0.77

7*

2.5

3.11

2.88

*Sample #7 contains sulfide. Sulfide reacts with cadmium

forming cadmium sulfide decreasing the efficiency
of the reduction

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Table 5B. Comparison of Cadmium Reduction and Nitrate Reductase Reduction Methods.
Data from Table 5 Comparison of Third Party Check Determination for Cadmium Reduction Method by Continuous Flow Analysis (CFA) and
Nitrate Reductase (YNaR1) Reduction Method by CFA (Patton and Kryskalla, 2013), and Table 12 Third Party Check Determination for Nitrate
Reductase (AtNaR2) Reduction Method by Discrete Analyzer (DA). (Patton and Kryskalla, 2011)

Target
Concentration

Sample
Identification

Number of
Analysis

Mean Concentration Found Standard Deviation

(mg N/L)

(mg N/L)

And (Relative Standard Deviation)

Cadmium Reduction
by CFA

NaR Reduction

CFA with YNaR1

0.20

092 L

63

0.05

TPC-L

143

2.00

092 M

62

2.00

TPC-M

143

4.00

092 H

63-65*

4.00

TPC-H

143

0.19 0.01 (3.53 %)

DA with AtNaR2

0.19 0.01 (3.67 %)

0.49 .02 (3.3 %)

2.00 0.05 (2.26 %)

2.00 0.05 (2.69 %)

1.99 0.06 (3.1 %)

4.07 0.07 (1.61 %)

4.02 0.11 (2.63 %)

4.03 0.11 (2.7 %)

*For 092 H sample, 65 analyses were done for Cadmium Reduction and 63 analyses for NaR Reduction.
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Table 6. Comparison of Cadmium Reduction Method to Nitrate Reductase Method.

Cadmium Reduction Method (EPA 353.2) was carried out by Continuous Flow Analyzer (CFA) and the Nitrate
Reductase (NaR) Method (this document) was done by Discrete Analyzer (DA) in a multiple laboratory study
involving 10 different laboratories. The samples matrices are identified in the Study Plan and consisted of 4
Drinking Water matrices (DW), 8 Waste Water matrices (WW), Seawater (SW), and 2 Standard Reference
Materials (SRM) from the US Geological Survey. Abbreviations: CdR = Cadmium Reduction Method; NaRR =
Nitrate Reductase Reduction Method; RPD = Relative Percent Difference; and RSD = Relative Standard Deviation.

Matrix

Cd Reduction

NaR Reduction

RPD

Method

CFA (mg N/L)

DA (mg N/L)

CdR - NaRR

Mean RSD

DW2

0.83

0.77 2.3%

7.50

DW3

1.21

1.22 1.8%

-0.82

DW4

7.02

6.70 2.5%

4.66

DW5

0.49

0.44 4.5%

10.75

WW1

0.03

0.03 67%

0.00

WW2

8.27

7.7 3.9%

7.14

WW3

0.26

0.23 4.3%

12.24

WW4

0.03

0.06 100%

-66.67 *

WW5

272.6

273 4.0%

-0.15

WW6

4.8

4.9 4.1%

-2.06

WW7

0.06

0.02 50%

100.00 *

WW8

14.1

13.9 3.6%

1.43

SW1

0.03

0.02 50%

0.00

SRM-1

0.48

0.44 4.5%

8.70

SRM-2

2.36

2.30 2.6%

2.58

* RPDs inflated due to concentration levels below QL

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Figure 1. Snapshot of Figure 12 from Patton and Kryskalla, 2011.

Graphic illustrates the equivalency of Cadmium Reduction and NaR Reduction Methods with real world samples.

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Figure 2. Comparison of Cadmium Reduction Method and Nitrate Reductase Method Results.

Nitrate by NaR Reduction (mg N/L)

A. Drinking Water Matrices

y = 0.9548x + 0.003
R = 0.9998

5
4
3
2
1
0
0

14

16

Nitrate by CdR Reduction (mg N/L)

Nitrate by NaR Reduction (mg N/L)

16

B. Waste Water Matrices

14

y = 0.9765x - 0.0091
R = 0.9988

12
10
8
6

WW-5 omitted

4
2

0
0

10

12

Nitrate by CdR Reduction (mg N/L)

Nitrate Method for Nitrate Reductase Nitrate Analysis

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