Chemical analysis of phosphate rock using different methods—advantages and disadvantages

Many analytical methods are considered for chemical analysis of phosphate rock because the accuracy of analysis is very important. In the present investigations, spectrophotometric and x‐ray spectrometric methods were used to determine P₂O₅ whereas SiO₂, CaO, MgO, Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ were determined by gravimetric and x‐ray spectrometric methods. Volumetric and x‐ray spectrometry methods are necessary for fluorine determination. The investigations revealed that x‐ray spectrometry is a precise and accurate technique, which is cost effective and so better than other methods. Spectrophotometric, volumetric and gravimetric methods are expensive, time consuming and laborious. X‐ray spectrometry is suggested for commercial companies using regular analyses to save chemicals, time and labour and to maintain quality. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.