Determination of phosphorus in waste-waters by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma—atomic emission spectrometry offers a simple and rapid method for the determination of total phosphorus in waste-waters: the optimum operating conditions are described. The detection limits are 0.02, 0.04, and 0.11 μg ml^-1 at the 213.618, 214.914, and 253.565-nm lines, respectively. Interferences by other elements are negligible at the concentration levels of these elements in environmental and waste-waters, except for the spectral interference of copper on the lines at 213.618 and 214.914 nm. Differences in emission response for various inorganic and organic phosphorus compounds are small. Analytical results for phosphorus in municipal and industrial waste-waters agree well with those obtained by standard methods.