Correction for Dissolved Nitrous Oxide in Nitrogen Studies

Abstract

Abstract Rapid methods for the accurate determination of N 2 O in atmospheres of closed incubation flasks are now available. However, serious errors in measuring total N 2 O within a closed system may arise if dissolved N 2 O is not considered. Temperature and the ratio of solution volume to atmosphere volume are important factors determining the magnitude of errors resulting from this cause. A simple formula for calculating dissolved N 2 O based on solution and atmosphere volumes, the mass of N 2 O in the gaseous phase, and published solubility data for N 2 O in water is presented. If the chemical composition of the solution phase is likely to influence solubility coefficients, these values can be experimentally determined using a described technique.