Phosphorus is one of the key elements necessary for growth of plants and animals. Each compound contains phosphorous in a different chemical formula. Ortho forms are produced by natural processes and are found in sewage. Poly forms are used for treating boiler waters and in detergents. In water, they change into the ortho form.
Organic phosphates are important in nature.
Their occurrence may result from the breakdown of organic pesticides which contain phosphates. They may exist in solution, as particles, loose fragments or in the bodies of aquatic organisms. The analysis of phosphorus uses a spectrophotometer. Reagent dye is added and the absorbance read. Rainfall can cause varying amounts of phosphates to wash from farm soils into nearby waterways.