Department or Program
Environmental Studies
Abstract
This thesis presents research on measuring trace concentrations of total phosphorus at the ppb level, using UV-visible spectrophotometry and colorimetry for the purpose of potential water monitoring. Total phosphorus was measured using ammonium molybdate and ascorbic acid reagents to form an intensely blue complex that can be measured within the visible spectrum of the UV-visible spectrophotometer. Each experimental trial generated a standard curve from three standards of known concentration (5, 10, and 20 ppb) and their measured absorbances at 880 nm. Eight trials were conducted, that either manipulated variables potentially affecting the accuracy and precision of the recorded absorbance or checked for reproducibility between trials. An acid digestion procedure was also tested in trials 14 and 15. Trials 11-14 and 16 had standard curves with R2 values of .95 or higher, demonstrating the capability of the protocol to generate linear standard curves, that could be used to measure samples of unknown concentration. However, the absorbance values for a specific concentration varied from trial to trial, necessitating the generation of a standard curve for each potential batch of samples. Although the results of this thesis are not enough to provide a reliable and efficient protocol, it provides valuable information that can lead the way for further research.
Level of Access
Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access
First Advisor
Tom Wenzel
Date of Graduation
Spring 5-2015
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Browning, Gwyn Ivy, "Developing a Protocol to Measure Trace Concentrations of Phosphorus in Oligo-mesotrophic Lake Surface Waters using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry and Colorimetry" (2015). Standard Theses. 88.
https://scarab.bates.edu/envr_studies_theses/88
Number of Pages
31
Components of Thesis
1 pdf file
Restricted
Available to Bates community via local IP address or Bates login.