Determination of cosmogenic ³²P and ³³P in environmental samples

Understanding phosphorus dynamics in marine environment is of great importance, and appropriate tracers for phosphorus cycling in oceans are invaluable. In this study, two methods were developed for extraction, purification, and determination of naturally occurring ³²P and ³³P in rainwater, marine plankton and sediments using both a low-level beta counter (LBC) and an ultra-low-level liquid scintillation spectrometer (LSS). Blanks, chemical yields and counting efficiencies were quantified for both methods. The chemical purification of ³²P and ³³P separated by both procedures was validated by their decay curves. The absorber thickness of aluminum for LBC was assessed as 39.2 mg/cm². ³²P and ³³P specific activities in some rain samples were determined by both methods and showed good consistent results. The advantage of the LSS over the LBC is apparent in its high counting efficiency and in determining samples with high concentration of stable phosphorus. However, when measuring environmental samples with low concentration of stable phosphorus, such as rainwater, both methods can be used and each has its distinct advantage.