Investigation of the chemical identity of soluble organophosphorus compounds found in natural waters

Abstract

The ability of various laboratory algal cultures to generate substantial quantities of dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) compounds has been demonstrated. After isolation and concentration of these compounds by low pressure filtration, freeze drying and redissolution, molecular size profiles on Sephadex gels were obtained. Comparison between DOP and inositol phosphate profiles on Sephadex G-25 prompted specific studies for the presence of inositol phosphates in the culture solutions. Alkaline bromination techniques established in soil chemistry research were employed in conjunction with Sephadex gel filtration to generate circumstantial evidence for the presence of inositol monophosphate and the absence of inositol hexaphosphate. The results obtained in conjunction with preliminary volatile derivative studies have provided the base for continued studies on the specific chemical nature of DOP compounds in aqueous systems.