IUPAC

Environmentally significant phosphorus species in water and phosphorus fractions in sediments are briefly discussed and the methods for their determination are described. One of the most critical analytical steps is the separation of the different forms which, after conversion into orthophosphates, may be determined by a multitude of various techniques. Spectrophotometric methods are often preferred for routine analysis. Several rapid automatic methods for the separation and determination of orthophosphate, linear polyphosphates, cyclic condensed phosphates and lower oxidation state anions of phosphorus, which may exist in natural and waste waters, have been developed. They are mainly based on the use of flow-injection analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography including ion chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and a few of other techniques. These methods have been described and critically evaluated.