NECi assay kits for monitoring nitrate and phosphate

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The traditional method for measuring nitrate is the cadmium reduction method, which uses the toxic heavy metal cadmium. Chicago-based company NECi has developed a method to quantify nitrate that uses an enzyme. The method is said to be safer, greener, more accurate, sensitive and reliable.

Many researchers are investigating various aspects of nitrate, which sits in a central position in plant and algal metabolism, as well as in water pollution leading to eutrophication and impacts on species diversity in natural environments. Whether a team is analysing thousands of samples per day in an automated laboratory system or spot-checking levels on-site, NECi has a kit formulated for their needs. The company currently offers enzymes and enzyme-based test kits for the analysis of nitrate and phosphate in the laboratory or out in the field, and will soon be offering enzymes for the analysis of glycerol, galactose and ethanol.

The NECi assays are simple in design — a small volume of sample is mixed with a buffer containing the enzyme, a co-factor is added, then the reaction occurs. For the phosphate method, measurement at 360 nm using a UV-capable spectrophotometer or microplate reader yields results immediately following the enzymatic reaction. For the nitrate assay, Griess chemistry is carried out following the enzymatic reduction for the formation of an AZO dye and then absorbance is determined spectrophotometrically at 540 nm. The kits can also be used to perform total nitrogen and total phosphorus analysis.

For more information: www.nitrate.com.