Phosphate detection in water samples is still completed using colorimetric standard methods, which have a number of disadvantages, to such as being time consuming, requiring filtration, a number of different reagents, frequent calibration and proper disposal of waste chemicals generated. Hence, a simple cost effective analytical method and instrumentation is highly desirable to aid the optimisation of treatment processes and assist the water industry in their efforts to comply with stringent regulations such as the EU's Water Framework Directive. A sensor based on molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) and a conductance transducer was developed for direct and label-free detection of phosphate in water. The sensor was able to measure the presence of phosphate in wastewater samples with good reproducibility, a linear range of 0.66–8 mg P L−1 and a lower detection limit of 0.16 mg P L−1. The sensor was further tested to measure phosphate concentrations in unfiltered field samples such as domestic wastewater treatment influent and river water and demonstrated a close correlation with reference measurements. The phosphate MIP sensor offers a way forward as either a handheld sensor for use in the field, or as a potential solution for remote, continuous monitoring of phosphate.
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Research Article|
October 25 2013
A molecular imprinted polymer based sensor for measuring phosphate in wastewater samples
Christopher Warwick;
1Cranfield Water Sciences Institute, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, UK
E-mail: a.soares@cranfield.ac.uk
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Antonio Guerreiro;
Antonio Guerreiro
2Cranfield Biotechnology Centre, Cranfield Health, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, UK
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Elizabeth Wood;
Elizabeth Wood
3Yorkshire Water, Western House, Halifax Road, Bradford, BD6 2SZ, UK
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James Kitson;
James Kitson
3Yorkshire Water, Western House, Halifax Road, Bradford, BD6 2SZ, UK
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James Robinson;
James Robinson
3Yorkshire Water, Western House, Halifax Road, Bradford, BD6 2SZ, UK
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Ana Soares
Ana Soares
1Cranfield Water Sciences Institute, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, UK
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Water Sci Technol (2014) 69 (1): 48–54.
Article history
Received:
July 14 2013
Accepted:
September 09 2013
Citation
Christopher Warwick, Antonio Guerreiro, Elizabeth Wood, James Kitson, James Robinson, Ana Soares; A molecular imprinted polymer based sensor for measuring phosphate in wastewater samples. Water Sci Technol 1 January 2014; 69 (1): 48–54. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2013.550
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