Method for the analysis of oxygen isotopic composition of soil phosphate fractions

Iris Zohar, Avi Shaviv, Tatania Klass, Kathryn Roberts, Adina Paytan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

64 Scopus citations

Abstract

The isotopic signature of oxygen in phosphate (d18OP) of various soil fractions may shed light on P transformations, including phosphorus (P) recycling by soil microorganisms, uptake by plants and P adsorption, precipitation and release by oxides and minerals, thus increasing our understanding on P cycling and lability in soils. We developed and tested a protocol to extract and purify inorganic phosphate (Pi) from different soil fractions distinguished by binding strength and precipitate it as silver phosphate (Ag3PO4) for d18OP analysis. Soil P is extracted sequentially using water, NaHCO3, NaOH and HCl and Pi in each solution is purified and precipitated as Ag 3PO4. The unique characteristics and possible interferences of the soil solution extracts are addressed. Two agricultural soil samples receiving reclaimed wastewater or fresh water were analyzed, and results indicate that all soil fractions analyzed have been impacted to some degree by biologically enzyme mediated cycling of P in the soil.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7583-7588
Number of pages6
JournalEnvironmental Science and Technology
Volume44
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry

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