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Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment
Published on: July 22, 2019
Sequential extraction of phosphorus in soil and sediment using a continuous-flow system
W Tiyapongpattana1, P Pongsakul, J Shiowatana
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Talanta
|October 31, 2008
Summary
A new continuous-flow extraction system effectively fractionates soil phosphorus, offering a viable alternative to traditional batch methods for analyzing phosphorus distribution and mobility.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Phosphorus (P) distribution and mobility in soil and sediment are crucial for environmental processes.
- Sequential extraction is the standard method for P fractionation, but existing schemes are batchwise and operationally defined.
- Continuous-flow extraction offers potential advantages for soil and sediment analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the applicability of a continuous-flow extraction system for phosphorus fractionation in soils and sediments.
- To compare the results obtained from the continuous-flow system with traditional batch extraction methods.
- To evaluate the accuracy of the continuous-flow system by comparing total extracted phosphorus with certified values.
Main Methods:
- A continuous-flow extraction system was employed, passing sequential extractants through a closed chamber containing the sample.
- The Hieltjes and Lijklema extraction scheme was adapted for the continuous-flow system.
- Three certified reference materials (CRMs) were analyzed, and fractions were collected for colorimetric determination.
- Results were compared to batch extraction methods and total digestion values.
Main Results:
- The continuous-flow extraction system successfully fractionated phosphorus in certified reference materials.
- Summation of phosphorus fractions from the continuous system closely matched certified values and total digestion results.
- The system demonstrated applicability for studying phosphorus distribution and mobility in soils and sediments.
Conclusions:
- The developed continuous-flow extraction system is a suitable and accurate method for phosphorus fractionation.
- This technique offers a potentially more efficient and reproducible alternative to conventional batch extraction methods.
- Further investigation into the advantages and disadvantages of this continuous system is warranted.
