Ion Chromatographic Separations of Phosphorus Species: a Review

The aim of this paper is to review recent literature regarding the determination of phosphorus species by ion chromatography (IC), and describe the implementation of new developments in sample treatment and ion chromatography methodology for the analysis of these compounds. Ion-exchange methods using both carbonate/hydrogencarbonate and hydroxide selective columns in combination with self-regenerating membrane and solid-phase-based suppressors enable determination of phosphate down to ppb levels. New technology, particularly on-line electrolytic hydroxide generators and electrolytic self-regenerating suppressor devices, has allowed the use of elution gradients in both carbonate/hydrogencarbonate and hydroxide selective systems, improving sensitivity and reducing total analysis time for samples containing phosphate together with other inorganic anions. In addition to a review of these developments, optimization and application of chromatographic methods using reversed stationary phases and cationic and/or zwitterionic surfactants is also discussed. The objective of most of the IC methods developed for phosphorus species is the determination of phosphate and total phosphorus. Therefore, sample treatment and separation conditions specifically developed for this purpose are also described. In addition, application of IC to the analysis of other inorganic (reduced and condensed) and organic (phytates, alkyl phosphate, and phosphonates) phosphorus species is discussed along with methodology and relevant applications in water analysis and other miscellaneous fields.