Why Test for Phosphate?

Abnormally high levels of phosphate can lead to organ damage due to calcification (calcium phosphate deposits in organs, such as the kidneys).
Phosphate levels are normally higher in young children than in adults because their bones are actively growing. Low phosphate levels in children can inhibit bone growth. Very low levels of phosphate are rare but require swift medical attention.

Soft drinks and pre-packaged food items are high in phosphate content, sometimes as phosphoric acid, which some nutritionists believe contributes to over consumption of phosphorus.

Test results may be affected by the use of enemas and laxatives containing sodium phosphate, excess Vitamin D supplements, and by intravenous glucose administration.

Also effective test for  :::


Phosphate (PO43–) enters the aquarium from fish and invertebrate waste and decaying organic matter, such as dead algae and uneaten fish food.
Water treatment facilities may add phosphate to tap water to prevent pipe corrosion and reduce concentrations of heavy metals in drinking water. 
Some salt mixes also contain phosphates. Excess phosphate may lead to algae blooms. 
In saltwater aquariums, phosphate precipitates dissolved calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions, inhibiting the growth of hard corals and other reefbuilding organisms.

GENERAL TIPS 1 :::---  A small amount of the sample is acidified with Concentrated Nitric Acid to which a little ammonium molybdate is added. The presence of Phosphate Ions is indicated by the formation of a bright yellow layer.

GENERAL TIPS 2 :::--- Standard Phosphorus Solution, 0.1 mg/mL as Phosphorus: Dissolve exactly 0.4395 g (Note 5) of reagent grade potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH₂PO₄) in 500 mL of purified water in a 1 L volumetric flask; dilute to volume with purified water and mix thoroughly. Standard Solution: 2 µg Phosphorus per mL: 

OTHERWISE :

Standard phosphate solutions: 22.068 mg of anhydrous KH₂PO₄ was dissolved in distilled water and diluted to 100 mL. Thus, 1mL = 50.3µg PO₄ 3 --P.