A review on useful concepts for stable isotope of oxygen in phosphate (δ18Op) extraction, purification and analysis of freshwater samples and other potential phosphate sources

• Reactions involved in the experiment for stable isotope of phosphate were discussed.
• Commonly used techniques in the synthesis of silver phosphate were compared.
• Revision of the fractionation equation is covered.
• Principles behind the use of materials were explained.
• TCEA/IRMS instrumental settings are compared.
• Waste management is also included.

Extraction of dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP) at low concentrations in environmental matrix is a complex job. Several methods have been developed by various researchers to obtain a purified and stable phosphate compound for stable isotope analysis. Early methods have made use of fluorination as purification step. To date, fluorination was eliminated to a simple purification step. In this paper, evaluation of some currently used methods of DIP extraction from freshwater samples is discussed. Many researchers in the field have tried doing the experiment but failed to produce a final product. This review will serve as a guide on the basic principles such as reactions involved and functions of materials used.