Determination of nitrate in water samples using a portable polarographic instrument

A description is given of a simple portable polarographic analyser, with results of its use to determine nitrate in natural water samples, using the polarographic waves developed in the presence of either zirconium or uranium. The use of these catalysed systems allows direct compensation for background currents caused by interferences. Results obtained by both methods were in good agreement with those obtained by spectrophotometric analysis.