Separation of Two Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus Fractions in Lakewater

Abstract

A method for the separation of two dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) fractions in unconcentrated lakewater is described. A reactive high molecular weight phosphorus (RHMW-P) fraction has been found in all waters studied and a second fraction, corresponding to orthophosphate (PO₄-P) is frequently detected. The hydrolysis of RHMW-P to PO₄-P by acid in the analytical reagents is shown to be the most likely reason for its determination as DRP. Key words: freshwater analysis, reactive phosphorus, orthophosphate, molybdenum blue method, gel filtration