The Estimation of Phosphate and of Total Phosphorus in Sea Waters

Abstract

A simple photoelectric meter is described which allows the molybdenum blue formed in sea water, due to the presence of phosphate, to be estimated within that due to ± 0·25 mg. phosphate-P per m.3.The effects of concentration of acid, molybdate, reductant, temperature and suspended particles on the rate of formation, fading and amount of molybdenum blue, formed in sea waters containing phosphate are detailed.Intramolecular changes taking place during storage of molybdate solutions, and while being mixed with acidified sea water, have been investigated.The hydrolysis of organic phosphorus compounds in acidified sea water at 140° C , and the prevention of arsenate formation, are described.Procedures, resulting from these investigations, for the estimation of phosphate, and of total phosphorus, are described.The growth of bacteria and the physical adsorption of organic phosphorus compounds in solution on the walls of glass vessels used for storage of sea water have been investigated, and a method of prevention evolved.