Determining Phosphate Levels in Natural Water Using a Novel Electrochemical Measurement Device

Devices and methods for measuring phosphate levels in a fluid, such as natural water, are disclosed. The devices and methods rely upon the anodic dissolution of molybdenum to generate a reagent from a phosphate-containing fluid, which is then measured electrochemically to determine a level of phosphate ions in the fluid. The different embodiments of devices used for performing this technique are transportable and have extended lifetimes when compared to existing devices used to measure phosphate levels in fluid. They can be used in situ at the source of a site to generate results within about two minutes, within about thirty seconds, and even within about ten seconds. They also consume much less energy and molybdenum per measurement. The disclosed embodiments include devices having one or two molybdenum electrodes, with one of the electrodes disposed near a working electrode. Various methods for determining phosphate levels in fluids are also provided.