NITROGEN GAS FORMATION BY INTERACTION OF NITRITES AND AMINO ACIDS

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Abstract
Studies conducted in a Van Slyke amino acid apparatus show that in an atmosphere of nitric oxide, the formation of N2 gas by the reaction of amino acids with Na NO2 is possible over the pH range 2.1 to 6.2. However, at concns. of nitrite corresponding most closely to those found in soils, no N2 was formed during a period of 1 hr. at pH values above 4.1, and even at higher acidities only 9% of the amino acid reacted. In air, nitrous acid decomposes rapidly and there would be less opportunity for the reaction to occur. Loss of gaseous N2 from soils by this mechanism is unlikely.