Differential pulse polarographic determination of orthophosphate in aqueous media

The determination of orthophosphate in aqueous media by differential pulse polarography is described. It is based on determination of the molybdenum in 12-phosphomolybdic acid. High sensitivity is achieved by measuring the polarographic wave due to the catalytic reduction of perchlorate or nitrate in the presence of molybdenum(VI). The method is suitable for samples as small as 3.5 ml which contain as little as 9 ng of phosphorus per ml. The average relative deviation is 3.0% at the 0.045 mg/l. phosphorus level and 1.6% at the 1.2 mg/l. level. Results for the analysis of EPA quality-control water and real surface-water samples are reported.