Extraction Protocol

Abstract

AbstractStudies showed that the δ18OP is a useful tool to study P in the environment. Adequate extraction protocols for the targeted P pools of the study are a prerequisite for a successful study. Likewise, for most environmental samples, including water, soil, sediment and plant samples, it is crucial that the samples are processed as soon as possible after they have been taken to avoid any alterations of the original δ18OP signature. This is especially true when more bioavailable P pools, like soluble reactive P (SRP) in water samples, are extracted and analysed. Brucite precipitation of water samples should be directly done in the field, fresh soil and sediment samples have to be extracted within 7 days (if microbial P is targeted, on the day of sampling), and plant samples have to be extracted within a few hours of sampling or be frozen. The chapter briefly describes the P cycle in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and give an overview about extracting the most common P pools for δ18OP analysis: soluble reactive P in water samples, sequentially extracted P pools of soil, sediment, fertilizer and plant samples.