Determination of Total Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Wastewaters by Alkaline Persulfate Digestion Followed by IC

Introduction Excess use of nutrients over the last several decades has caused significant water quality and health issues on a global scale. In the U.S., the impact of nutrient pollution has been identified as one of the most widespread, costly, and challenging environmental problems in the 21st century.1 Nutrient pollution causes excess algae growth (i.e., algal blooms) over large bodies of water, which has a significant impact on the environment, human health, and the economy. Algal blooms consume significant amounts of oxygen and thus deprive fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms of the oxygen needed to survive. In addition, algae can have a negative impact on human health by emitting toxins that can cause stomach aches, rashes, and more serious health issues. It is estimated that the U.S. tourism industry loses approximately $1 billion annually because of algae-related decreases in fishing and recreational activities.2