Nitrogen

Determination by
Kjeldahl Method
 Nitrogen Determination
by Kjeldahl Method
The Kjeldahl method is used to determine the nitrogen content in organic and
inorganic samples.
For longer than 100 years the Kjeldahl method has been used for the determination
of nitrogen in a wide range of samples. The determination of Kjeldahl nitrogen is
made in foods and drinks, meat, feeds, cereals and forages for the calculation of the
protein content. Also the Kjeldahl method is used for the nitrogen determination in
wastewaters, soils and other samples.
It is an official method and it is described in different normatives such as AOAC, USEPA,
ISO, DIN, Pharmacopeias and different European Directives.

The Kjeldahl procedure involves three major steps:

Digestion Distillation Titration

Organic nitrogen is NH3 is distilled and Nitrogen is determined

converted into NH4+ retained in a receiver vessel

1. Digestion
The aim of the digestion procedure is to break all nitrogen bonds in the sample and
convert all of the organically bonded nitrogen into ammonium ions (NH4+). Organic
carbon and hydrogen form carbon dioxide and water. In this process the organic material
carbonizes which can be visualized by the transformation of the sample into black
foam. During the digestion the foam decomposes and finally a clear liquid indicates the
completion of the chemical reaction. For this purpose, the sample is mixed with sulfuric
acid at temperatures between 350 and 380 ºC. The higher the temperature used, the
faster digestion can be obtained. The speed of the digestion can be greatly improved by
the addition of salt and catalysts. Potassium sulfate is added in order to increase the
boiling point of sulfuric acid and catalysts are added in order to increase the speed and
efficiency of the digestion procedure. Oxidizing agents can also be added to improve
the speed even further.

Sample Catalyst
Protein (-N) + H2SO4 (NH4)2SO4 + CO2 + H2O

After digestion is completed the sample is allowed to cool to room temperature, then
diluted with water and transferred to the distillation unit.

2
2. Distillation
During the distillation step the ammonium ions (NH4+) are converted into ammonia (NH3) by adding
alkali (NaOH). The ammonia (NH3) is transferred into the receiver vessel by means of steam distillation.

(NH4)2SO4 + 2NaOH 2NH3 (gas) + Na2SO4 + 2H2O

The receiving vessel for the distillate is filled with an absorbing solution in order to capture the
dissolved ammonia gas.

• Common absorbing solutions involve aqueous boric acid [B(OH)3] of 2-4% concentration. The
ammonia is quantitatively captured by the boric acid solution forming solvated ammonium ions.

B(OH)3 + NH3 + H2O NH4+ + B(OH)4-

• Also other acids can be used as precisely dosed volume of sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid that
captures the ammonia forming solvated ammonium ions.

H2SO4 (total) + 2NH3 SO42- + 2 NH4+

3. Titration
The concentration of the captured ammonium ions can be determined using two types of titrations:
• When using the boric acid solution as absorbing solution, an acid-base titration is performed using
standard solutions of sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid and a mixture of indicators. Depending
on the amount of ammonium ions present, concentrations in the range of 0.01N to 0.5N are
used. Alternatively the end point can be determined potentiometrically with a pH-electrode. This
titration is called direct titration.

B(OH)4- + HX X- + B(OH)3 + H2O

HX= strong acid (X= Cl-, etc.)

• When using sulfuric acid standard solution as absorbing solution, the residual sulfuric acid
(the excess not reacted with NH3) is titrated with sodium hydroxide standard solution and by
difference the amount of ammonia is calculated. This titration is called back titration.

H2SO4 (total) + 2NH3 SO42- + 2NH4+

3
 Process scheme
The optimal sample amounts (from 0.01 to 5 g) depend on the expected nitrogen contents
but also affect the choice of titrant concentration. The limit of sample amounts normally
needs to be found experimentally. It should contains 30 – 140 mg N. Ideally the particle size
should be < 1 mm. The sample must be homogeneous and it should be milled if necessary.

The volume of sulfuric acid 98% used is a function of the expected consumption of
sulfuric acid in the redox reaction converting sulfuric acid to sulfur dioxide. By the end of
the digestion a surplus of acid has to be present in a sufficient amount in order to keep
the non-volatile ammonium ions in solution and prevent the loss of volatile ammonia.
Typically for 1 g sample two Kjeldahl tablets of 5 g are used together with 20 mL of 98%
sulfuric acid and digestion times of 90 minutes are applied. A good ratio is 1 g of Kjeldahl
catalyst mixture to 2 mL of 98% sulfuric acid.

The digestion time depends on the chemical structure of the sample, the temperature, the
amounts of sulfate salt and the catalyst.
As an example, in the following figures we show the processes of digestion, distillation
and titration for a sample of milk.

1. DIGESTION

· Shake the milk sample carefully so that it does not foam.

· Weigh approx. 5 g of the homogeneous sample.

4,8920 g

Balance

· Place the sample into a digestion flask.

· Add 2 Kjeldahl tablets of 5 g of the Missouri catalyst.
· Add 20 ml Sulfuric Acid 98%.
H2SO4 · Carefully suspend the sample by gently swirling the tube.
98%

· Bring the digestion tube/flask and mixture into the digestion

unit and into a heating block.
· Heat the mixture (350 – 380 ºC) until white fumes can be seen.
· Continue the heating for about 180 minutes.
· The vapours of water and sulfuric acid are bubbled through a
solution of sodium hydroxide (scrubber) to neutralize them.
· The digestion is finished when the sample will be totally
transparent with a slightly blue color due to the Cu from the
350 ºC, 180 min catalyst.
· The sample is allowed to cool to room temperature and
Heating Scrubber cautiously approx. 100 ml of water is added.
block · Then the content of the glass tube is transferred to the
distillation unit.

4
2. DISTILLATION
4
2 NH3 is condensed.

50 ml of sodium hydroxide
50% solution is added to 5
the sample to neutralize
the pH and to convert
· NH3 is captured in a 50 ml of boric
NH4+ into NH3.
acid solution 4% that contains 6 - 7
drops of Tashiro’s indicator.
· When NH3 reacts with boric acid
the solution turns from red violet to
green (pH 4.4-5.8) due to the color
change of the indicator from acid to
basic medium.
3
· Around 150 ml of condensate is
captured in the boric acid solution.
A stream of water vapor
· It can take approx. 5 minutes.
is bubbled into the sample
to entrain the NH3 formed.

1 Distillation unit

Sample already digested

with sulfuric acid 98%.

3. TITRATION

· Titrate with HCl 0.25 mol/l until the

solution has a slightly violet color.
· With the volume and concentration of HCl
needed we can calculate the number of mol
of nitrogen atoms in the sample and then the
% of protein in the milk sample.

5
 Reagents used in
Kjeldahl analysis
1. Digestion
1.1. Kjeldahl Catalysts
The catalysts are composed of more than 97% of
a salt which increases the boiling temperature of
the sulfuric acid and 1 - 3% of one type of catalyst
or a mixture of catalysts in order to increase the
speed and efficiency of the digestion procedure.
Typical catalysts are selenium or metal salts of
copper or titanium.

The selection of a particular catalyst depends on

ecological and toxic aspects or more practical
reasons as the reaction time or foaming and sputtering.
For example, selenium-containing catalyst reacts fastest but it is toxic while a copper-
containing catalyst is considerably safer for both humans and the environment but
gives a slower digestion process. An ideal compromise is the mixed catalyst consisting
of copper and titanium sulfate.

In water containing samples, e.g. Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) determinations, strong
foam formation and sputtering often is caused by Kjeldahl tablets. In such a situation
a catalyst mixture in powder form and the use of boiling rods is appropriate.
Besides, digestion times depend on the type of sample, the volume of sulfuric acid,
the ratio of acid to salt and the type of catalyst. For example, fat, oil and heterocyclic
aromatic compounds are more easily digested if the catalyst contains selenium.

The use of copper as catalyst is becoming more common, as it is recognized to be more

environmentally friendly. Today selenium or copper are used as catalysts in more than
90% of the Kjeldahl digestions being performed all over the world.

6
 Tablet Composition
Product Code Packaging Recommendation
weight
Na2SO4 K2SO4 CuSO4.5H2O Se TiO2

173350.1213 3.5 g 3.5 kg 3.489 g 0.010 g Missouri catalyst.

Kjeldahl Catalyst (Cu) Environmental compatibility
(0.3% in CuSO4.5H2O) due to the low content of
tablets copper, but the digestion
173350.1214 5g 5 kg 4.985 g 0.015 g takes longer.

Kjeldahl Catalyst (Cu)

(1.96 % in CuSO4.5H2O)
177033.1214 5g 5 kg 4.902 g 0.098 g
tablets

174428.1211 1g 1000 g 0.938 g 0.0625 g

Kjeldahl Catalyst (Cu)
(6.25% in CuSO4.5H2O)
tablets
174428.1246 4g 4 kg 3.75 g 0.25 g

175639.12111 1.65 g 1650 g 1.501 g 0.148 g Universal tablet. 1.5 g tablet

is recommended for micro
Kjeldahl Catalyst (Cu)
Kjeldahl applications. Good
(9% CuSO4.5H2O) tablets performance and low impact
175639.1214 5g 5 kg 4.55 g 0.45 g on the environment.

Kjeldahl Catalyst (Cu)

(10.26% in CuSO4.5H2O) 177040.1246 4g 4 kg 3.589 g 0.410 g
tablets

Kjeldahl Catalyst
Wieninger catalyst.
(Cu-Se) (1.5%
172429.1211 - 1000 g 0.965 g 0.015 g 0.02 g Appropriate for water
CuSO4.5H2O + 2% Se) containing samples.
powder

172926.1211 1g 1000 g 0.965 g 0.015 g 0.02 g

Kjeldahl Catalyst
(Cu-Se) (1.5%
172926.1213 3.5 g 3.5 kg 3.377 g 0.052 g 0.07 g Wieninger catalyst
CuSO4.5H2O + 2% Se)
tablets
172926.1214 5g 5 kg 4.825 g 0.075 g 0.1 g

Kjeldahl Catalyst
(Cu-Se) (9% CuSO4.5H2O 175570.1246 4g 4 kg 3.60 g 0.36 g 0.036 g
+ 0.9% Se) tablets

173349.1296 3.71 g 3.71 kg 1.75 g 1.75 g 0.104 g 0.104 g

Perfect balance between
Kjeldahl Catalyst
environment and fast
(Cu-TiO2) tablets digestion.
173349.1214 5g 5 kg 2.358 g 2.358 g 0.1415 g 0.1415 g

173348.1213 3.5 g 3.5 kg 3.49 g 0.003 g

Kjeldahl Catalyst (Se) Fast digestion but not optimal
tablets for the environment.
173348.1214 5g 5 kg 4.99 g 0.005 g

7
 Reagents used in
Kjeldahl analysis
1. Digestion
1.2. Acid and oxidant for digestion
In general food and feed applications, 98% sulfuric acid is
used for digestions. Special applications may however call
for modifications in the concentration of sulfuric acid or
mixtures of acids could be envisaged. As an example, protein
determinations of milk and cream are often carried out using
a 69% sulfuric acid in order to reduce the risk of foaming.

Oxidizing agents can also be added to improve the speed even

further. Hydrogen peroxide has the widest usage as accelerates
the decomposition of organic material and also has an antifoaming action to control
foaming during the digestion. Nevertheless this is extremely reactive and the risk for
nitrogen losses is quite high. If foaming is the only problem it is better to use 1-3
drops of a proprietary antifoam emulsion.

After the digestion and before the neutralization of sulfuric acid by adding
concentrated sodium hydroxide, the sample is allowed to cool to room temperature
and diluted with distilled water. This is done to avoid splashing of the sample due to
boiling induced by the heat of reaction dissipated when the concentrated acid and
base are mixed. Moreover, if samples are diluted with 10-20 mL of water just after
cooling, crystallization can be avoided.

Product Code Packaging

173163.1611 1000 ml

Sulfuric Acid 98% for the determination of nitrogen 173163.1612 2.5 L

173163.0716 25 L

Hydrogen Peroxide 30% w/v (100 vol.) for analysis 121076.1211 1000 ml

121076.1214 5L

211628.1208 100 ml
Silicone antifoaming liquid (ORG)
211628.1209 250 ml

211628.1210 500 ml

131074.1211 1000 ml

Water for analysis, ACS 131074.1212 2.5 L

131074.1214 5L

131074.1315 10 L

8
2. Distillation
2.1 Alkalis for neutralization and Product Concentration Code Packaging
liberation of ammonia 131687.1210 500 g

The acidic sample is neutralized 131687.1211 1000 g

Pellets
by means of concentrated sodium 131687.1214 5 kg
hydroxide solution. Usually 50% NaOH
131687.0416 25 kg
is added slowly down the neck of the
flask. Being heavier, it forms a layer 50 % w/v 141571.1214 5L
underneath the diluted acid digestion 171220.1211 1000 ml
Sodium
mixture. Generally, for each 5 ml of Hydroxide 171220.1214 5L
concentrated sulfuric acid used in the
digestion, 20 ml of 50% sodium hydroxide is required to 40 % w/w 171220.1315 10 L
make the digest strongly alkaline (pH of >11). The ammonium 171220.0715 10 L
ions are converted into ammonia which is transferred into
171220.0716 25 L
the receiver vessel by means of steam distillation.
122666.1211 1000 ml
32 % w/v
A distillation should last long enough such that more than 122666.1214 5L
99.5% of the ammonia is recovered in the receiver vessel.
A typical distillation time is 4 minutes at a steam power
setting of 100%.

2.2 Receiving solutions to capture the ammonia

The receiving vessel for the distillate is filled with an absorbing solution in order to capture the dissolved ammonia gas.
Depending on the volume of the digestion mixture and the method being followed, 15 to 150 ml of condensate
should be collected in the receiving flask to ensure complete recovery of nitrogen.
The receiving solutions can be boric acid, sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. The boric acid is being the method of
choice because it allows automatization.

Product Concentration Code Packaging

1 %. Contains 0.00075% Methyl Red 283334.1214 5L
and 0.001% Bromocresol Green as
indicators. For automatic analysis. 283334.0716 25 L
Boric Acid 3% 282928.1211 1000 ml
282222.1211 1000 ml
4%
282222.1214 5L
181023.1211 1000 ml
181023.1212 2.5 L
0.1 mol/l
181023.1214 5L
181023.0715 10 L
Hydrochloric Acid
181023.1315 10 L
181022.1211 1000 ml
0.5 mol/l
181022.1214 5L
181022.1315 10 L
181061.1211 1000 ml
0.05 mol/l
181061.1214 5L
181061.1315 10 L
Sulfuric Acid 0.1 mol/l 182011.1211 1000 ml
Check our complete portfolio
181060.1211 1000 ml of volumetric solution
0.25 mol/l 181060.1212 2.5 L concentrations in our website
www.itwreagents.com
181060.1315 10 L

9
 3. Titration
3.1 Volumetric solutions and Indicators
If the receiving solution is boric acid, the tetrahydroxyborate anions formed are titrated
with a standard solution of a strong acid. This titration is called Direct Titration.
• The detection of the end point can be carried out manually or with a colorimetric
titration and using a combination of indicators. The combination of methyl red and
methylene blue indicators is frequently used in many methods.
• Alternatively the end point can be determined potentiometrically with a pH-
electrode. Then it is preferably to adjust the pH of the boric acid to 4.65 before
distillation and use an end-point of pH 4.65 for the titration.
If the receiving solution is a standardized hydrochloric acid or a standardized
sulfuric acid, the excess of acid solution is exactly neutralized by a carefully measured
standardized alkaline base solution such as sodium hydroxide. The end-point is detected
using a color indicator. Methyl orange is usually the preferred indicator. This titration is
called Back Titration.

Product Concentration Code Packaging

Direct Titration
181023.1211 1000 ml
181023.1212 2.5 L
Hydrochloric Acid 0.1 mo/l 181023.1214 5L
181023.0715 10 L
181023.1315 10 L
181061.1211 1000 ml
Sulfuric Acid 0.05 mol/l 181061.1214 5L
181061.1315 10 L

Indicator 4.8, Mixed (Methyl Red-Bromocresol Green) 283303.1609 250 ml

Color-change: from pink violet to emerald green (pH 4.8-5.5)

Indicator 4.4, Mixed (Methyl Red-Methylene Blue) (Tashiro’s indicator) 282430.1609 250 ml
Color-change: from red violet to green (pH 4.4-5.8)
Back Titration
181693.1211 1000 ml
Sodium
0.1 mol/l 181693.1214 5L
Hydroxide
181693.1315 10 L
Methyl Red solution 0.1%
281618.1208 100 ml
Color-change: from red to yellow (pH 4.2-6.2)

Check our complete portfolio of volumetric solution concentrations in our website www.itwreagents.com

10
 CALCULATIONS
The calculations for % nitrogen or % protein must take into account which type of receiving solution was used and
any dilution factors used during the distillation process. In the equations below, “N” represents normality. “ml blank”
refers to the millilitres of base needed to back titrate a reagent blank if standard acid is the receiving solution, or
refers to millilitres of standard acid needed to titrate a reagent blank if boric acid is the receiving solution.

• When boric acid is used as the receiving solution the equation is:

(ml standard acid - ml blank) x N of acid x 1.4007

% Nitrogen =
weight of sample in grams

• When standard acid is used as the receiving solution, the equation is:

[(ml standard acid x N of acid) - (ml blank x N of base)] - (ml standard base x N of base) x 1.4007
% Nitrogen =
weight of sample in grams

Food % Nitrogen Factor % Protein

Cereals, pasta
If it is desired to determine %
Brown Rice 1.3 6.25 7.9
protein instead of % nitrogen, the
calculated % N is multiplied by a Wheat flour, whole- 2.4 5.7 13.7
grain
factor, the magnitude of the factor
Macaroni, spaghetti 1.9 5.7 11.0
depending on the sample matrix.
Many protein factors have been Pulses, nuts and seeds
developed for use with various Red beans 3.4 6.25 21.2
types of samples. Soy and soy products 6.3 5.71 36.0
Here you can see the % Nitrogen, Almonds 4.9 5.18 25.3
the Protein factor and the % Peanuts 4.8 5.46 26.0
Protein for different types of food: Nuts 2.9 5.3 15.2
Sunflower seeds 3.2 5.3 17.2
Dairy products
Milk, whole 0.5 6.38 3.3
Cheese (i.e. Cheddar) 3.9 6.38 24.9
Butter 0.3 6.38 2.0
Yogurt 0.8 6.38 5.3
Meat, poultry, fish
Beef 3.0 6.25 18.5
Chicken, breast meat 3.7 6.25 23.1
Ham 2.8 6.25 17.6
Egg, whole 2.0 6.25 12.5
Fish 2.6 6.25 16.0

11
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