The total nitrogen bound (TN) is defined as the total pollution of water by nitrogen compounds. It is an analytical parameter for water and is specified in mg/l. The pollution of nitrogen can appear in form of ammonia, ammonium salts, nitrites, nitrates and organic nitrogen compounds.
Nitrogen is a natural and essential nutrient, but when industry discharges too much nitrogen it can result in algae blooms that deplete oxygen needed by aquatic life (eutrophication). Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for humans and nature. Today the nutrient contents in water are very high. A further increase would lead to eutrophication (overfertilization). Therefore, it is required to monitor this parameter by online measurement systems and thus enabling the regulation of nutrient concentrations in public water. Nitrogen-based pollutants can appear in the form of ammonia, ammonium salts, nitrate, nitrite, and organic nitrogen compounds. Monitoring nitrogen in effluent enables industry to discharge at compliant levels, protecting the environment while avoiding surcharges.
Total Bound Nitrogen water analysis provides a useful, online alternative to laboratory tests. TN is the sum of all nitrogen compounds and is standardized as DIN EN 12260:2003. This method detects all forms of nitrogen except molecular nitrogen (N2). It uses high temperature to oxidize all nitrogen compounds into nitrogen monoxide (NO). These reactions take place at temperatures about 700°C. However, higher temperatures more reliably oxidize the nitrogen compounds. The TNb method provides accurate, repeatable, chemical-free results in as little as three minutes per batch. The method is automated, enabling integration into process control systems. Since no re-agents are needed the method is also very low maintenance.
Americas +1 713.947.9591
EMEA +49 69 20436910
China/APAC +86 400 086 0106
TN water analysis refers to the measurement and analysis of Total Nitrogen (TN) content in water samples. Total Nitrogen represents the collective concentration of various forms of nitrogen compounds present in water, including organic nitrogen, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite.
Monitoring total nitrogen in water is important for several reasons:
On the market, the determination of the TNb competes with the Kjeldahl nitrogen determination (TKN) and with the persulphate digestion according to Koroleff. In contrast to the TKN, the persulphate digestion and the thermal determination of TNb determines inorganic components such as nitrite and nitrate, too. The methods according to Kjeldahl and Koroleff are time-consuming, labor-intensive and require high amounts of chemicals. Hence, these methods are not suitable for fast and accurate online determination of the nitrogen content.
Total Nitrogen (TNb) is the sum of all nitrogen forms or Total Nitrogen = Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3) + Organic Nitrogen (Nitrogen in amino acids and proteins) + Nitrite (NO2) + Nitrate (NO3) or Total Nitrogen = TKN + NO2 + NO3 (This is the formula used to measure nitrogen at wastewater plants).
The key differences between TNB and TKN are:
The thermal determination of TNb is characterized by a high degree of automation, increased accuracy as well as by short measuring cycles. Additionally, the user benefits from the fact that hazardous reagents are not necessary at thermal determination. Commonly two detections of TNb in water samples are used. The detection of the concentration is made with a chemiluminescent- or an electrochemical detector. For chemoluminescence detection ozone is required for the reaction with NO, disadvantaging the approach due to the use of hazardous reagents and the high cost. The electrochemical method is low maintenance, includes lower acquisition costs and the accuracy of its measurement is comparable with the chemiluminescence detection.
Total Nitrogen (TN), it typically involves the use of high-temperature combustion techniques. These methods are often employed to convert all nitrogen compounds, both organic and inorganic, into nitrogen gas (N2) for quantification.
One such technique is known as high-temperature combustion or high-temperature oxidation. In this method, the water sample is introduced into a combustion furnace operating at temperatures typically ranging from 900-1200°C. The organic and inorganic nitrogen compounds present in the sample are oxidized and converted into nitrogen gas.
The evolved nitrogen gas is then purified and passed through a series of traps to remove any potential interfering compounds. Finally, the purified nitrogen gas is quantified using detection techniques such as thermal conductivity detection or chemiluminescence detection.
This high-temperature combustion method provides a measure of the total nitrogen content in the sample, including both organic and inorganic nitrogen species. It does not differentiate between different forms of nitrogen or provide information about specific nitrogen compounds present in the sample.
Our water analyzers guarantee the complete oxidation of all organic and inorganic compounds with the ultra-high temperature method at 1,200°C. After the oxidation the TNb is detected by an electrochemical sensor. This is an environmentally friendly method that provides very accurate measurement results. The chemiluminescence detector is available as an option with our QuickTONultra. Operators have the option to measure the TNb in combination with TOC and COD.
Our LAR ultra-high temperature method for determining Total Nitrogen (TN) in water, typically conducted at around 1,200°C, is effective for several reasons:
Monitoring total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and total nitrogen (TN) is essential for maintaining water quality and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Copyright © 2023 Process Insights, Inc. All Rights Reserved.