Nitrate in Vegetables: Estimation by HPLC

Abstract

Over the past fifty years the development of high-tech farming has led to excessive amounts of fertiliser being applied to soil. Some research aspects of this abuse are described in relation to the uptake of nitrate into vegetables. In order to monitor this problem a high precision HPLC method capable of rapid throughput has been evolved. Using this HPLC method the results over a twelve month period are presented and compared with the existing standards now legally enforced in Switzerland and Holland.

Effect of Cooking on the Nitrate Levels in Vegetables

“…(dry weight) method (6). Results showed that even allowing for differences between wet and dry weight estimations, that the Continental legal limits are frequently exceeded in vegetables available in UK (7).…”