Analytical pitfalls when using inhibitors in specific nitrification assays

Environmental context Specific inhibitors of biological reactions in the nitrogen cycle can be used to determine origin reactive species; these species potentially degrade water quality or influence climate. However, interfere with methods for analysis stable isotope ratios and concentrations ammonium, nitrite nitrate. The effect this interference on several commonly was investigated. These findings should help avoid use inappropriate analytical improve data studies cycle. Abstract Characterisation reaction steps involved nitrification processes that produce harmful environmental pollutants such as nitrite, nitrate nitrous oxide (N2O). uncouple therefore assist their mechanistic isotopic characterisation. determining allylthiourea, hydrazine sodium chlorate colorimetric measurements were assessed. Ammonium measured salicylate method. Nitrite Griess reaction, first being reduced vanadium (III) chloride. For analysis, N2O a 1 : azide acetic acid buffer solution; preceded, when necessary, by ammonium oxidation hypobromite reduction an activated cadmium column. Sodium did not any analyses none interfered determination Allylthiourea quantification. Both allylthiourea also clearly ratio while only oxygen nitrite. Although we suggest overcome some interferences, our study demonstrated combination considered caution designing experiments.