Here’s a short review of various commonly used methods for testing phosphates (sometimes called phosphate-phosphorus!).
- Hanna checkers
- Kyoritsu packtest
- Lamotte test strips
Hanna checker (phosphates – low range)
| Test name | Hanna checker (phosphates – low range) | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Test type | Powder reagent in liquid | Providing small scissors allows volunteers to open reagent safely |
| Range | 0 – 2.5ppm | There is also a high range version used by hot spots. |
| Accuracy | ★★★★★ | Gives a result numerically with a value. See below for comparison research |
| Ease of use | ★★★ | Requires training |
| Safety/disposal | ★★ | Liquid Requires training |
| Maintenance | ★★ | Providing small scissors allows volunteers to open reagent safely. Requires cleaning and calibration |
| Availability | ★★★★ | Easily available for purchase. |
| Cost | Upfront: ££, per test: £ |
Used by: Thames21, Norfolk Rivers Trust, and South East Rivers Trust.
Guidance for use: Great for small groups of well-trained volunteers doing consistent monitoring who are able to calibrate and clean meters appropriately. Provides more precision for when low/medium/high are not sufficient. Less ideal for large groups where direct oversight for training is not possible.
Guides and resources: links to resources coming soon!
Research: links to research coming soon!
Reviewed by XX groups (see individual reviews coming soon)
Kyoritsu Packtest (phosphate-phosphorus – low range)
| Test name | Kyoritsu Packtest (phosphate-phosphorus – low range) | Top tip |
|---|---|---|
| Test type | Pre-filled powder reagent in liquid | Practicing this test builds confidence. |
| Range | 0 – 1 ppm | Note: units are equivalent to 0 – 2ppm of phosphates. There is also a high range version that can be used in hot spots. |
| Accuracy | ★★★ | Colour comparison method. Great for knowing if values are low/medium/high. |
| Ease of use | ★★★★ | Requires some training but easy enough to send out to large groups. |
| Safety/disposal | ★★★★ | Reagent is contained in the tube. Liquid down the sink and |
| Maintenance | ★★★★ | No maintenance required. Watch for expiration dates. |
| Availability | ★★★ | Through programs and intermediaries |
| Cost | Upfront: nil, per test: ££ |
Used by: many groups through FreshwaterWatch UK, Water Rangers UK.
Guidance for use: Good for large groups and understanding when readings are low/medium/high. Used often for blitz events over hundreds of sample locations.
Guides and resources:
Research: coming soon!
Reviews by Water Rangers (see individual reviews coming soon)
LaMotte test strips – phosphate low-range
| Test name | Lamotte phosphate teststrips | Top tip |
|---|---|---|
| Test type | Test strips | Emphasize keeping test strips dry! |
| Range | 0 – 2,500 ppb | Note: units are equivalent to 0 – 2.5ppm of phosphates. There is also a high range version that can be used in hot spots. |
| Accuracy | ★★★ | Colour comparison method. Great for knowing if values are low/medium/high. |
| Ease of use | ★★★★ | Requires some training but easy enough to send out to large groups. |
| Safety/disposal | ★★★★ | Used liquid goes donw the normal sink. Can be disposed of in the normal waste system. |
| Maintenance | ★★★ | Tube must be cleaned appropriately. Watch for expiration dates. |
| Availability | ★★★★ | Available online in a few places. |
| Cost | Upfront: nil, per test: £ |
Used by: Westcountry CSI.
Guidance for use: Excellent for large groups (e.g. Westcountry maintains 500 active testers) and for understanding when readings are low/medium/high. Used often for blitz events over hundreds of sample locations.
Guides and resources: Westcountry CSI’s manual
Research: coming soon!
Reviews by XX groups (see individual reviews coming soon)
Do you know another phosphate test that is used and researched by a local group? Let us know!