Method Detection limit [µmol/L] Advantages Disadvantages References
IC
0.002-0.32 (Dependent on size of the sample loop and column type; detection limit may be impacted by the presence of carbonate eluting close to phosphite)
Relatively cost-effective; separation from most interferences
Low detection limit requires large sample volume, possibly causing saturation by other ions; possibly interferences by ions with similar retention times; can analyse multiple P species but not all
This study; [6]
IC + ICP-MS
0.002-0.003 (Dependent on the size of the sample loop)
Low detection limits achievable with small sample sizes; separation of interferents with similar retention times in the IC
High installation costs; can analyse multiple P species but not all
This study; [4, 6]
UV-VIS spectrophotometry 0.36 Most cost effective; separation from many interferences; fast High detection limit; some interferences may persist; can analyse multiple P species but not all [16]
NMR
6.46 (Dependent on length of run or number of scans, strength of the magnet, type of probe)
Can analyse greatest variety of P species; separation from interferences
High installation costs; slow analysis; high detection limit
This study