Application

Potassium nitrite has been used for determining the bacteriostatic and fungistatic activity of acidified nitrite. It has also been used as a supplement in buffer for investigating the impact of nitrite on nosocomial pathogens including C. difficile spores. Adulterants such as “Klear” and “Whizzies” contain potassium nitrite which masks tests for abused drugs in urine. Hence potassium nitrite is used along with Klear and Urine Luck for preparing adulterated urine for drug-of-abuse testing.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Potassium nitrite is a strong oxidizing agent that enhances seeds to germinate without a pre-incubation period and without ethylene.