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Extraction Protocol
(2022)Oxygen Isotopes of Inorganic Phosphate in Environmental SamplesStudies showed that the δ18OP is a useful tool to study P in the environment. Adequate extraction protocols for the targeted P pools of the study are a prerequisite for a successful study. Likewise, for most environmental samples, including water, soil, sediment and plant samples, it is crucial that the samples are processed as soon as possible after they have been taken to avoid any alterations of the original δ18OP signature. This is ...Book Chapter -
Purification Protocol
(2022)Oxygen Isotopes of Inorganic Phosphate in Environmental SamplesThe five stepwise purification of extracts and final precipitation of silver phosphate (A1–A5) are described. The first two steps (A1 and A2) are removing organic matter and are concentrating the phosphate in the extract by reducing the volume. Certain cations could interfere with the precipitation of silver phosphate and are removed in step A3. Silver chloride, which, if not removed, could co-precipitate with silver phosphate, is removed ...Book Chapter -
The Use of the δ18OP to Study P Cycling in the Environment
(2022)Oxygen Isotopes of Inorganic Phosphate in Environmental SamplesPhosphorus (P) fertilizers are known to increase crop productivity; however, when applied in excess, it can cause serious environment pollution. Monitoring P pollution in natural environments using stable isotopes has been difficult because P has only one stable isotope (31P) making the use of P stable isotope tracing not an option. Radioactive P isotopes (32P and 33P) have been used but its drawbacks are the short half-life, health risks ...Book Chapter -
How to Design a Study Including the Analysis of δ18OP
(2022)Oxygen Isotopes of Inorganic Phosphate in Environmental SamplesTo plan a research study, one needs to (1) establish a research question, (2) make a set of observations, (3) form a hypothesis in an attempt to explain the observations and (4) test the hypothesis based on the data collected. The following questions should be addressed when designing a study including the analysis of δ18OP: (i) what is the research hypothesis? (ii) what is the main objective of the study? (iii) what are the aims to address ...Book Chapter -
Modifications and Issues During Purification
(2022)Oxygen Isotopes of Inorganic Phosphate in Environmental SamplesDepending on the extract, it is necessary to modify the purification protocol slightly. Each sample is different and despite a thorough testing of the purification protocol, issues might occur. The three modifications suggested include (1) adjustments in pH, (2) magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) precipitation and (3) reductions, prior to A1, of cations like iron (Fe), silica (Si) and calcium (Ca) which could cause interferences during ...Book Chapter -
Conclusions and Way Forward
(2022)Oxygen Isotopes of Inorganic Phosphate in Environmental SamplesWith an increasing number of researchers using the δ18OP method to investigate P cycling in the environment, it is necessary to conduct an inter-laboratory comparison study for the purification protocol as well as the measurement of silver phosphate with the TC/EA-IRMS like Watzinger et al. (2021) did. For the δ18OP method to progress, further fundamental research as well as field and laboratory studies need to be conducted. To the best ...Book Chapter