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A new review article highlights major advancements in analytical techniques for accurately detecting and monitoring phosphorus in environmental samples to improve pollution control and sustainability efforts. This article, published in the journal Molecules, underscores the critical role of phosphorus monitoring in sustaining both agricultural productivity and ecological balance, while addressing the ongoing challenges of eutrophication and water pollution caused by excessive phosphorus accumulation (1).

Sensors, embedded directly within agricultural fields, continuously measure the concentrations of essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © Nay - stock.adobe.com

What environmental threats does phosphorus pose?

Phosphorus is a key ingredient in fertilizers (2). These fertilizers are growing in popularity, and as a result, they are being found more in rivers and other bodies of water (2). Runoff from agricultural fields, wastewater discharge, and industrial effluents can lead to elevated phosphorus concentrations, triggering harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in water bodies (2,3). These effects make it imperative to develop accurate, sensitive, and cost-effective analytical tools to monitor and manage phosphorus concentrations across diverse environmental matrices, including soil, water, and air (1,3).

In this review article, the researchers examined how improvements in analytical methods have led to better outcomes in detecting, quantifying, and responding to phosphorus contamination in real time.

What traditional techniques are used in phosphorus analysis?

Normally, phosphorus analysis is conducted using colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods. Colorimetry, in particular, remains widely used because of its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to a wide range of sample types (1). Initially, several improvements were made to these methods by refining reagent formulations and optical detection systems. As a result, modern colorimetric assays are now less susceptible to interferences from other ions and organic matter, enabling more reliable detection even in complex environmental samples (1).

The review article also examines the role of chromatography and spectroscopy in improving phosphorus analysis. For example, the authors discuss the utility of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. Because of its precision, minimal sample preparation, and capability to analyze solid matrices, XRF spectrometry has become a popular analytical tool for this purpose (1).

Likewise, mass spectrometry (MS), including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), is now recognized for its sensitivity and multi-element detection capacity, making it invaluable for complex environmental monitoring tasks (1).

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy also has been useful in this space. NMR spectroscopy has the ability to provide structural information about phosphorus-containing compounds (1). As a result, researchers can use NMR to understand the chemical behavior of phosphorus in the environment. The only obstacle to using NMR is that it is more expensive and requires advanced instrumentation (1).

The researchers also highlighted other technologies used in this space, including biosensors, lab-on-a-chip systems, and nanotechnology-based analytical tools. Biosensors, which use biological recognition elements such as enzymes or microorganisms to detect phosphorus compounds, are valued for their high selectivity and ability to deliver near-instantaneous results (1). Nanomaterial-based sensors, on the other hand, offer exceptional sensitivity and can be miniaturized for portable, field-deployable use, enabling on-site monitoring without the need for extensive sample transport or laboratory infrastructure (1).

Real-time, in situ monitoring has emerged thanks to new portable systems. The ability to capture dynamic fluctuations in phosphorus concentrations directly at the source offers environmental authorities and researchers critical data to inform timely interventions (1). The review article notes that automation, sensor integration, and wireless data transmission technologies are further enhancing these capabilities, aligning with global trends toward smart environmental monitoring systems (1).

What are the key takeaways from this study?

Although XRF and colorimetry remain among the most dependable and cost-effective approaches for routine phosphorus analysis, the authors emphasize that emerging spectroscopic and electrochemical methods still require further validation and standardization before they can be widely adopted in regulatory monitoring programs (1). Because of this, harmonized testing protocols and improved calibration standards will be needed to ensure that these methods yield consistent and reproducible results.

Looking ahead, the authors recommend that future research focus on integrating high-throughput and automated techniques to improve efficiency and data accuracy. By combining advanced detection technologies with robust data analytics, environmental scientists can achieve more comprehensive assessments of phosphorus cycling and pollution dynamics. The authors argued in their paper that these advancements will help strengthen regulatory compliance and policy development (1).

References

1. Mogashane, T. M.; Mapazi, O.; Motlatle, M. A.; et al. A Review of Recent Developments in Analytical Methods for Determination of Phosphorus from Environmental Samples. Molecules 2025, 30 (5), 1001. DOI: 10.3390/molecules30051001
2. UN Environment Programme, What is Phosphorus and Why are Concerns Mounting About its Environmental Impact? UNEP.org. Available at: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/what-phosphorus-and-why-are-concerns-mounting-about-its-environmental-impact (accessed 2025-10-22).
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Indicators: Phosphorus. EPA.gov. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/indicators-phosphorus#:~:text=Too%20much%20phosphorus%20can%20stimulate,macroinvertebrates%20and%20other%20aquatic%20life. (accessed 2025-10-22).