Continuous flow analysis of dissolved total phosphorus in seawater by UV-K2S2O8 online digestion method

Several methods for analysis of dissolved total phosphorus in seawater were reviewed. Discussions were focused on UV irradiation and persulphate oxidation methods which are the most popular dissolved organic phosphorus determination methods presently. The compounds used for the phosphorus recovery test were categorized into three groups according to their chemical structure. It was found that low power UV irradiation can decompose P-O-C or P-C bonds efficiently but may be inefficient for P-O-P bonds. Heating-bath in acid condition is useful for decomposing P-O-P bonds. Using the continuous flow analysis system (Auto-analyzer Ⅱ), UV digestion and heating-bath, series experiments were carried out based on the above analysis. Eleven model compounds were employed for the phosphorus recovery test and the factors influencing the decomposition efficiency of dissolved compounds containing phosphorus were clarified. Finally, the optimal design for determination of dissolved total phosphorus in seawater based on the routine continuous flow analysis system was presented. For the organic mono-phosphate, the recovery is more than 90% and a recovery of 33%～51% was obtained for inorganic or organic polyphosphates. Up to now, this is the highest decomposition efficiency for dissolved phosphorus based on the continuous flow analysis system.