Optimization for detection of on-site phosphate contamination qualitatively

Saiyidah Nafisah Hashim

Abstract

Water pollution is a serious case when the amount of phosphate exceeds the safe level. This phenomenon will lead to eutrophication thus affecting the organisms under the water surface. Therefore, the water sample at the site area need to be tested directly so that contamination can be detected shortly. The objective of this study is to design a test kit for detection of phosphate content in water with minimum usage of reagents and water sample. Different volumes of ammonium molybdate reagent (0.5 and 1 mL) and stannous chloride (1 and 2 drops) were tested on different concentrations of phosphate. Reagents was then tested on different volume of water samples (25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 mL) and within 5 minutes, color changes were documented. It was found that the optimize reagents volume for phosphate contamination identification were 0.5 ml and 1 drop of molybdate reagent and stannous chloride, respectively. Minimum volume of water samples enough to react with reagents was at 15 ml. A phosphate test kit were then designed to test on-site phosphate contamination qualitatively. Then, the kit reading accuracy test was held on three different water samples. Quantitative analysis was also done by reading the contamination through UV-Vis spectrophotometer. It was found that there were only slightly different in the amount of phosphate content through qualitative and quantitative analysis.

References

Alan, J.L., Rita, A.H., David, A.C. Ernesto, G.M. & Barbara, M.H. (2012). Harmful algal blooms along the North American west coast region: History, trends, causes, and impacts, in harmful algae. Publications, Agencies and Staff of the U.S. Department of Commerce 19:133-159.

Song, J., Wu, S., Xing, P., Zhao, Y. & Yuan, J. (2017). Di-branched triphenylamine dye sensitized TiO2 nanocomposites with good photo-stability for sensitive photoelectrochemical detection of organophosphate pesticides. Analytica Chimica Acta 1001:24-31.

Le, C., Zha, Y., Li, Y., Sun, D., Lu, H. & Yin, B. (2010). Eutrophication of lake waters in China: cost, causes, and control. Environmental Management 45:662-668

Michalak, A.M., Anderson, E.J., Beletsky, D., Boland, S., Bosch, N.S., Bridgeman, T.B., Chaffin, J.D., Cho, K., Confesor, R., Dalo?lu, I., DePinto, J.V., Evans, M.A., Fahnenstiel, G.L., He, L., Ho, J.C., Jenkins, L., Johengen, T.H., Kuo, K.C., LaPorte, E., Liu, X., McWilliams, M.R., Moore, M.R., Posselt, D.J., Richards, R.P., Scavia, D., Steiner, A.L., Verhamme, E., Wright, D.M. & Zagorski, M.A. (2013). Record-setting algal bloom in Lake Erie caused by agricultural and meteorological trends consistent with expected future conditions. Proceedings of the National Academy of United States of America 110(16):6448-6452

Murakami, K., Amano, Y., Taki, K. & Matsushima, H. (2001). On-site purification technology based on ecocycle management. Environmental Information Science 15:285-290.

Paerl, H.W., Dennis, R.L. & Whitall, D.R. (2002). Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen: implications for nutrient over-enrichment of coastal waters. Estuaries and Coasts 25:677-693.

Paerl, H.W. (2008). Controlling eutrophication along the freshwater-marine continuum: dual nutrient (N and P) reductions are essential. Estuaries and Coasts 32:593-601.

Paerl, H.W. & Otten, T.G. (2013) Harmful cyanobacterial blooms: causes, consequences, and controls. Microbial Ecology 65:995-1010.

Uraisin, K., Janya, S., Phechkrajang, C., Choengchan, N., Tiyapongpattana, W., Cerdà, V. & Nacapricha, D. (2016). Chemometrics-assisted cross injection analysis for simultaneous determination of phosphate and silicate. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 96:1-18.

Zati, S., Saim, S. & Ahmad, J.S. (2017). A national research and development blueprint for sustainable lake basin management in Malaysia. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research & Management 21(4):269-283.