Determination of trace nitrite by anodic stripping voltammetry

A sensitive anodic stripping procedure for trace nitrite in the presence of added cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB) is described. The method is based on the electrodeposition and subsequent oxidation of CTMAB-nitrite complex on a glassy carbon electrode in a supporting solution, consisting of Britten-Robinson buffer solution, pH range 3.6–4.0, and CTMAB. The peak height is proportional to the concentration of nitrite over the range 0.01–0.25 μg ml−1, and the relative standard deviation is less than 3.3%. This method has been used for the determination of trace nitrite in water and meat products with 90–110% recovery.