Phosphorus is a chemical element that is highly reactive and does not naturally exist as a free element. It generally occurs as phosphate in minerals. Phosphorus in aquatic systems occurs as organic phosphate and inorganic phosphate.
Organic phosphate consists of a phosphate molecule associated with a carbon-based molecule, as in plant or animal tissue. Phosphate that is not associated with organic material is inorganic. Inorganic phosphorus is the form required by plants. Animals can use either organic or inorganic phosphate.
There are two types of phosphorus: white phosphorus and red phosphorus. When exposed to oxygen, white phosphorus emits a faint glow caused by oxidation (also known as chemiluminescence).
There are many sources of phosphorus, both natural and human. These include soil and rocks, wastewater treatment plants, runoff from fertilized lawns and cropland, failing septic systems, runoff from animal manure storage areas, disturbed land areas, and drained wetlands.
Phosphorus is essential for plant and animal growth. It is a key component of DNA and helps to build strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also necessary for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles.
Too much phosphorus can be harmful to the environment. When there is too much phosphorus in aquatic systems, it can cause excessive algae growth. This can lead to the depletion of oxygen in the water, which can be harmful to fish and other aquatic creatures. Too much phosphorus can also lead to the eutrophication of lakes and ponds.
Following are main methods for phosphorus measurement.
· The total orthophosphate test is largely a measure of both dissolved and suspended orthophosphate using ascorbic method wherein a reagent (either liquid or powder) containing ascorbic acid and ammonium molybdate reacts with orthophosphate in the sample to form a blue compound. The intensity of the blue colour is directly proportional to the amount of orthophosphate in the water.
· The total phosphorus test measures all the forms of phosphorus in the sample (orthophosphate, condensed phosphate, and organic phosphate). This is accomplished by first "digesting" (heating and acidifying) the sample to convert all the other forms to orthophosphate. Then both dissolved and suspended orthophosphate.
the orthophosphate is measured by the ascorbic acid method.
· The dissolved phosphorus test measures that fraction of the total phosphorus which is in solution in the water (as opposed to being attached to suspended particles). It is determined by first filtering the sample, then analyzing the filtered sample for total phosphorus.
· Insoluble phosphorus is calculated by subtracting the dissolved phosphorus result from the total phosphorus result.
Advance Engineers provides high-quality, accurate, and reliable phosphorus measurement solutions that are essential for scientific research. Our products are used by scientists and researchers around the world to accurately measure phosphorus in water samples.
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