PVC matrix membrane sensor for fluorescent determination of phosphate

A novel polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix membrane sensor responsive to inorganic phosphate ion was described. The working pH range is 4.0–6.0 and the response time is about 7.5 min. Under the optimum condition, the sensor displayed a good linear response for H2PO4− anion over the concentration range 6.00–15.00 μg/ml with a limit detection of 0.02 μg/ml. The life span of membrane sensors is 90–120 days, and it could be used for 60 times with several supplements of the fluorescent probe. Applied for the determination of phosphate at levels of 8.00–12.00 μg/ml in artificial seawater, the recoveries ranged from 96.6% to 103.8%, and the relative standard deviation was less than 4%.