Determination of phosphate based on inhibition of crystal growth of calcite

The growth of calcium carbonate seed crystals (calcite) is strongly inhibited by the presence of phosphate ions. The kinetics of crystal growth were followed potentiometrically using a calcium ion-selective electrode or through the use of a pH electrode. The study of different variables on such a process was carried out with the aim of developing kinetic methods to determine phosphate ions (50–400 ng ml^?1). The selectivity and sensitivity of these processes allow the application of crystallization reactions to the determination of phosphate in human urine.