2.4.

10
AOAC Official Method 892.01
Nitrogen (Ammoniacal and Nitrate)
in Fertilizers
Devarda Method
Final Action

(Not applicable in presence of organic matter, calcium cyanamide,

and urea.)

Place 0.35 or 0.5 g sample in 600–700 mL flask and add 300 mL

H2O, 3 g Devarda alloy (Cu 50, Al 45, Zn 5), and 5 mL NaOH
solution (42% by weight), pouring latter down side of flask so that
it does not mix at once with contents. By means of Davisson [J. Ind.
Eng. Chem. 11, 465(1919)] or other suitable scrubbing bulb that will
prevent passing over of any spray, connect with condenser, tip of
which always extends beneath surface of standard acid in receiving
flask. Mix contents of distilling flask by rotating. Heat slowly at first
and then at rate to yield 250 mL distillate in 1 h. Collect distillate in
measured amount standard acid, 955.04A(j) (see 2.4.03), and titrate
with standard NaOH solution, 955.04A(k) (see 2.4.03), using
methyl red, 955.04A(i) (see 2.4.03).
References: Chem. Ztg. 16, 1952(1892). JAOAC 6, 391(1923);
15, 267(1932).

Copyright 1998 AOAC INTERNATIONAL