Analysis of Phosphate in Water

Introduction:
Phosphates are among the greatest contributors to phosphate content in lakes and
rivers because phosphate containing compounds in the past have been used in detergent
formulations as water softeners. Phosphate is not toxic to plants or animals. In fact, it is
a plant nutrient which stimulates the growth of aquatic weeds and algae. This may cause
lakes and rivers to become clogged and overrun with plants.
The principle of this method involves the formation of molybdophosphoric acid,
which is reduced to the intensely colored complex, molybdenum blue. This analytical
method is extremely sensitive and is reliable down to concentrations of 0.1mg of
phosphorus per liter of water.

Apparatus:
The Spectronic 20 will be employed in the measurement of color intensity of the
blue solutions. A wavelength of 650nm will be used for the analysis.

Reagents:
a. Ammonium molybdate reagent
b. Stannous chloride reagent
c. 20mg/L stock phosphate solution

Procedure:
Note: Glassware should be washed thoroughly with hot water followed by rinsing with
distilled water. Do not use phosphate containing detergents to clean equipment for this
experiment.
Preparation of Standard Solutions: Prepare a 5 point calibration curve with
concentrations ranging from 0 – 5mg/L Phosphate (including blank) from the provided
stock standard solution.

The standard solutions and the blank will now be treated according to the following
“color development” procedure. After measuring the absorbances of these solutions ,
make a plot of absorbance versus concentration.
.
Color Development in Sample
Follow this procedure for your standard solutions, your blank, and your water
samples.
Place in an Erlenmeyer flask 25mL (measured with a volumetric pipet) of the
water sample to be analyzed. Put 1.0mL (with a pipet) of ammonium molybdate solution
into a flask and swirl to mix. Before proceeding make sure you are familiar with the use
of the Spec 20. Next, to the flask add two drops of stannous chloride solution and mix by
swirling. If phosphate is present, a blue color will develop in a maximum of five
minutes.
Note: The time period is somewhat critical. Measurements should be taken anywhere
from 5 to 15 minutes after addition of stannous chloride.
 While you are waiting for the blue color to develop, set the wavelength to 650nm.
Use the blank to set the zero absorbance. Using the 650nm wavelength, measure the
absorbance of the blue sample.
Waste disposal:
All solutions may be dumped down the drain.