A COMPARISON OF SOME METHODS FOR TOTAL PHOSPHATE ANALYSES

Five different methods have been tested on six solid and five liquid samples for total phosphorus analyses. The dry-ashing procedure using magnesium nitrate, although long, generally seemed to be more reproducible. All the samples were readily oxidized by persulphate, and hydrogen peroxide methods. These alternatives were considerably simpler than the dry-ashing method, and although less precise were preferable for routine analyses, due to their speed and simplicity. Of the latter two techniques, the peroxide seemed to be the quickest and easiest, especially with solid samples. © 1969.