Instruction Manual
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a Hanna Product.
Please read the instructions carefully before using the
chemical test kit. It will provide you with the necessary
information for correct use of the kit.
Remove the chemical test kit from the packing material and
examine it carefully to make sure that no damage has
occurred during shipping. If there is any noticeable dam-
age, notify your Dealer or the nearest Hanna office
immediately.
Each kit is supplied with:
• HI 3873-0 Reagent, packets (100 pcs);
• 1 glass cuvet;
• 1 color comparator cube.
Note:
Any damaged or defective item must be returned in
its original packing materials.
HI 3873
Nitrite
Test Kit
ISTR3873R2 01/07
Nitrites are intermediate oxidation state of nitrogen (in the
oxidation of ammonia to nitrate or in the reduction of
nitrate). Such oxidation/reduction may occur in wastewater
of treatment plants and in natural waters during the
biological decomposition of nitrogen-compounds. In small
quantities it can cause methaemoglobinemia among in-
fants. Conversely, high levels are used to inhibit corrosion in
cooling towers. Nitrosation reactions of nitrites can yield
organic nitrosamines, which are known to be carcinogenic.
Note:
mg/L is equivalent to ppm (parts per million).
Range
0.0 to 1.0 mg/L (ppm) as NO
2
-
-N
Smallest Increment
0.2 mg/L (ppm) NO
2
-
-N
Analysis Method
Colorimetric
Sample Size
10 mL
Number of Tests
100
Case Dimensions
230x59x70 mm (9.0x2.3x2.8")
Shipping Weight
169 g (6.0 oz.)
• Fill the glass cuvet with 10
mL of the sample, up to
the mark.
Nitrites react with chromotropic acid reagent to form a pink
tint in the sample. The amount of color developed is
proportional to the concentration of nitrite present in the
aqueous sample.
www.hannainst.com
Specifications
Significance and Use
Chemical Reaction
Instructions
Safety Data Sheets
Accessories
HI 3873-100
replacement kit (100 tests)
HI 740032P
cap for 20 ml plastic beaker (10 pcs)
HI 740037P
20 ml plastic beaker (10 pcs)
The chemicals contained in this kit may be hazardous if
improperly handled. Read the relevant Safety Data Sheet
before performing this test.
READ THE ENTIRE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE KIT
• Add 1 packet of HI 3873-0 Nitrite Reagent.
• Replace the cap and shake gently for about 15
seconds.
• Wait for 6 minutes to allow the color to develop. Remove
the cap and fill the color comparator cube with 5 mL of
the treated sample (to the mark).
• Determine which color matches the solution in the cube
and record the result in mg/L (or ppm) of Nitrite-nitrogen.
• It is better to match the color with a white sheet at about
10 cm behind the comparator.
• To convert the reading to mg/L of Nitrite (NO
2
-
), multiply
the reading by a factor of 3.28.
