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4492262 
Journal Article 
Analytical method for white phosphorus in water 
Walsh, ME 
1995 
Yes 
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
ISSN: 0007-4861
EISSN: 1432-0800 
SPRINGER VERLAG 
United States 
54 
3 (0 
432-439 
English 
7749278 
WOS:A1995QD25600018 
White phosphorus (P sub(4)) is a toxic, synthetic substance that has been used in poisons, smoke-screens, matches, and fireworks and as a raw material to produce phosphoric acid. Environmental contamination with P sub(4) has occurred at facilities that either produce or use P sub(4) and areas where P sub(4) munitions have been used. While thermodynamically unstable in aqueous solutions, P sub(4) residues persist in aquatic environments and have caused massive mortality of fish and waterfowl. P sub(4)-contaminated water may contain suspended (colloidal) and dissolved P sub(4). Larger particles (200-400 mu m) may also be suspended. While the aqueous solubility of P sub(4) is approximately 3 mg/L, aqueous suspensions containing 200 mg/L may be produced by dispersion of molten P sub(4). A specific analytical method for the determination of P sub(4) in water was developed in conjunction with studies of the severe adverse environmental impact of a release of effluent from a P sub(4) production facility in Newfoundland, Canada. This method involved the extraction of P sub(4) from water by a few minutes of vigorous shaking with an organic solvent, either benzene or isooctane. 
chemical analysis; aquatic organisms; chemical precipitation; phosphorus compounds; pollutant identification; analytical techniques; fish kill; phosphorus; pollution detection; pollution effects; water analysis; analytical methods; Canada, Newfoundland; Freshwater; 1995)