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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment
Published on: July 22, 2019
Sampling, sample treatment and quality assurance issues for the determination of phosphorus species in natural waters
Paul J Worsfold1, Laura J Gimbert, Utra Mankasingh
1School of Earth, Ocean and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, UK. pworsfold@plymouth.ac.uk
Abstract:
Phosphorus is an important macronutrient and the accurate determination of phosphorus species in environmental matrices such as natural waters and soils is essential for understanding the biogeochemical cycling of the element, studying its role in ecosystem health and monitoring compliance with legislation. This paper provides a critical review of sample collection, storage and treatment procedures for the determination of phosphorus species in environmental matrices. Issues such as phosphorus speciation, the molybdenum blue method, digestion procedures for organic phosphorus species, choice of model compounds for analytical studies, quality assurance and the availability of environmental CRMs for phosphate are also discussed in detail.
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