A rapid Chromatographic method for recovery of 15NO2 and NO3- produced by nitrification in aqueous samples

The sensitivity and comparative simplicity of 5N stable isotopic tracer techniques has been used to quantify rates of nitrification in aquatic systems. However, the most commonly used method for recovery of inorganic oxidized nitrogen compounds from aqueous samples, which is based on liquid-liquid partitioning, is time consuming and contamination prone. We describe a solid-phase rapid chromatographic method for recovery of 15NO2− and NO3− produced by nitrification in aqueous samples. Compared to liquid-liquid partitioning, the advantages are significantly reduced processing time and reduced potential for contamination. Typical results are presented for the tidal, freshwater reaches of the James River estuary.