Phosphates

"The phosphates that enter the ecosystem and becomes tied up in the biogeochemical system where it is recycled. The rapid growth of aquatic vegetation and/or increase in the algal population can cause the death and decay of vegetation and aquatic life because of the decrease in dissolved oxygen levels. These phosphates can greatly affect the biodiversity of a body of water." Click here for further details from the Water Research Center.

1. Rinse the phosphate tube 3 times using the water to be tested.

2. Fill the tube to the half way line, or 5mL mark.

3. Place one tablet into the tube.

4. Place a cap on the tube and shake until the tablet is dissolved.

5. Wait 5 minutes using a timer.

6. After 5 minutes, use the phosphate comparator card to determine the amount of phosphates in the sample. Record on your data sheet.