Cyclic voltammetric studies were carried out on iron surfaces in KNO3 and NaNO3 melts individually at 340 degrees C. Well defined reduction peaks relating to formation of alkali metal oxides were observed in both melts. However, the oxide formed during the reduction process in KNO3 melts showed less inhibition of reduction of nitrate ion in comparison with that of oxide formed in NaNO3 melts as indicated by a small cathodic peak in KNO3 as compared with the peak in NaNO3 melts. An attempt has also been made to examine the influence of moisture on reduction of nitrate ion and on the solubility of alkali metal oxides.