title: Sampling, sample treatment and quality assurance issues for the determination of phosphorus species in natural waters and soils.
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.
authors.affiliation: School of Earth, Ocean and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, UK. pworsfold@plymouth.ac.uk
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Worsfold
authors.forename: Laura J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Gimbert
authors.forename: Utra
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Mankasingh
authors.forename: Omaka Ndukaku
authors.initials: ON
authors.lastname: Omaka
authors.forename: Grady
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hanrahan
authors.forename: Paulo C F C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Gardolinski
authors.forename: Philip M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Haygarth
authors.forename: Benjamin L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: Miranda J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Keith-Roach
authors.forename: Ian D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: McKelvie