Inert Carrier-Gas Fusion Determination of Total Nitrogen in Rocks and Meteorites

Abstract

An inert carrier-gas extraction-gas chromatography technique has been adapted for the determination of total nitrogen in rocks and meteorites. Samples are fused in a graphite crucible at 2400 ° and the nitrogen and other evolved gases are separated and analyzed using a gas chromatograph. The excess carbon monoxide produced from the silicates is converted to carbon dioxide and removed from the system. The limit of detection was found to be 2 m9 of N and the error of the technique was less than 5% of the normal working range between 10 and 200 pg of N. The method is rapid, accurate, and simpler than other methods now in use for the determination of trace quantities of nitrogen in a wide variety of materials. © 1970, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.