Detection of Geothermal Phosphite Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

• DOI: 10.1021/es901469t
• Publication Date: 2009-09-18T18:29:27Z
• Authors: Herbe Pech; Amanda Henry; Crist S. Khachikian; Tina M. Salmassi; Grady Hanrahan; Krishna L. Foster
• Keywords: Ion chromatography; Genetic algorithm

Little is known about the prebiotic mechanisms that initiated bioavailability of phosphorus, an element essential to life. A better understanding phosphorus speciation in modern earth environments representative early may help elucidate origins bioavailable phosphorus. This paper presents first quantitative measurements phosphite a pristine geothermal pool earth. Phosphite and phosphate were initially identified quantified stream samples at Hot Creek Gorge near Mammoth Lakes, California, using suppressed conductivity ion chromatography. Results confirmed presence 0.06 ± 0.02 μM 0.05 0.01 pool. In stream, concentrations below detection limit (0.04 μM) was measured 1.06 0.36 μM. The both chemical oxidation chromatography/mass spectrometry.