EN
Tests For: Phosphate Compounds in Natural and Wastewater
Tests Range: 0–12 mg/L P
Reagent Chemistry Used: Digestion with acid persulfate, then ascorbic acid/molybdenum blue
Basis of Test Method: Standard Method 4500-P-B and Standard Method 4500- P-E
Method Detection Limit*: 0.06 mg/L
Limit of Quantification**: 0.2 mg/L
Total Phosphorus is composed of orthophosphates, polyphosphates and organic phosphorus compounds. Ortho and polyphosphates are extensively used in detergent formulations and washing powders. Phosphates also find widespread application in the food processing industry and in industrial water treatment processes. Agricultural fertilisers normally contain phosphate minerals. Phosphates also arise from the breakdown of plant materials and are found in animal wastes. Organic phosphate compounds are used in industrial and water treatment applications; and arise from certain manufacturing processes.
Phosphorus compounds can therefore enter water courses through a variety of routes – particularly domestic and industrial effluents and run-off from agricultural land. Phosphates are associated with eutrophication of water and with rapid unwanted plant growth in rivers and lakes.
The Total Phosphorus test is a vital test for assessing the quality of effluents and wastewater prior to discharge. In the UK the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations make provision for the control of discharge of total phosphorus to sensitive bodies of natural waste water. The monitoring of the rate of phosphorus removal is therefore of great importance in wastewater treatment. The Palintest Tubetests Total Phosphorus Test provides a simple method of measuring total phosphorus compounds over the range 0–12 mg/L P.
The Palintest Tubetests Total Phosphorus/12 test is a two-stage procedure. The sample is first digested with acid persulphate to break down polyphosphates and organic phosphorus compounds and convert them to orthophosphate. The resulting orthophosphate, together with that originally present in the sample, is then determined by reaction with ammonium molybdate and ascorbic acid to form the intensely coloured ‘molybdenum blue’ complex. In this way, the total phosphorus content of the sample can be determined. A catalyst is incorporated to ensure complete and rapid colour development, and an inhibitor is used to prevent interference from silica.
The intensity of the colour produced in the test is proportional to the total phosphorus concentration and is measured using a Palintest Photometer
