Sorption of inorganic phosphate by laboratory ware. Implications in environmental phosphorus techniques

Abstract

Acid-washed glass sorbed appreciable amounts of inorganic phosphate from distilled water systems and significant amounts (up to 20 per cent.) from lake waters within 1 to 6 hours of contact. Pre-treatment of polycarbonate with phosphate eliminated sorption of inorganic phosphate from distilled water and lake water and gave mean recovery values that had a low standard deviation. Lake waters should be filtered within 6 hours of collection. “Phosphated” polycarbonate is recommended for the storage of standard phosphate solutions containing small amounts of inorganic phosphate and for the sampling of lake waters and their storage in bulk subsequent to filtration. The use of acid-washed glassware should be avoided for these purposes.