This paper describes analytical methods for determining the various phosphorus fractions in filter cake. These fractions can be classified as to their solubility in several extractants: water; 2% citric acid; neutral ammonium citrate; 0,5 N sulfuric acid. All procedures employed colorimetric methods, using the reagents according to the needed sensitivity. The metodology for the determination of total phosphorus after a dry solubilization procedure is described as well as the methodology for organic phosphorus determination. The inorganic phosphorus predominate in the samples with a range of 2,3 to 0,8%, depending on the origin and harvesting period. The best procedure was the analysis of the cake in its natural condition (moist cake) using the extraction by 2% citric acid solution.
filter cake; phosphorus; analytical methods for analysis; colorimetric methods of analysis