DETERMINATION OF CARBON, PHOSPHORUS, NITROGEN AND SILICON SPECIES IN WATERS

This review examines the analytical chemistry of the nutrient elements carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen and silicon in environmental waters. The speciation of these elements is discussed and the terminology used fo r classification is described. The analytical approach is considered i n general terms, with particular regard to sample collection and prese rvation, sample treatment and methods of analysis. A critical appraisa l of the analytical methods available for each of the elements (and th eir speciation) is provided together with the relevant analytical figu res of merit.