Influence of nitrites on different organisms and development of approaches to their effective detection

Aim. To assess the effect of nitrites on different organisms according to open scientific data. To conduct research to develop a reliable, effective, convenient and inexpensive method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of nitrites in samples in order to prevent their toxic effect on target organisms. Methods. Spectrophotometric method for determining nitrite by reaction with methyl red, study of sorption of methyl red and the product of its interaction with nitrite on the surface of the sorbent. Results. The results of the research were analyzed and it was found that nitrites can cause a significant negative impact on plant and animal organisms, as well as on the human body, depending on their concentration. Approaches were proposed to develop a simple and rapid method for spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of nitrites using methyl red. A color scale was created for visual testing of nitrites, which allows determining their concentration by changing the color of the sorbent. Conclusions. Since nitrites can accumulate and cause toxic effects, the development of sensitive methods for quantitative and qualitative detection of nitrites in various samples is an important direction for monitoring their presence in samples, in particular soil, water, agricultural products, etc. Based on the results obtained, methyl red can be recommended as a promising reagent for the development of a method for the detection of trace amounts of nitrite.