Environmentally Friendly Method to Test for Phosphate

Development is under way at an Upper Michigan biotech company of a greener, enzyme-based method for detection of phosphate. The new enzyme will replace the hazardous reagents required by current phosphate detection methodology, making phosphate testing safer for users and the environment. Reagents and test kits for skill levels from novice to commercial and research laboratories are envisioned. The new phosphate kits will complement NECi’s existing line of environmentally benign, enzyme-based reagents for nitrate detection.

The project is funded by the US Dept of Agriculture’s Small Business Innovation Research program. The first products will be easy to use kits designed for on-site testing. Expanding NECi’s line of test kits for agriculture to include Phosphate (orthophosphate, also called available, soluble, or reactive P) is a “natural”. NECi’s (USA) current product line of kits for nitrate can be used to test soil, water (drinking and runoff), crops and forage (dry and wet).

Phosphate is an essential nutrient for plant productivity but also a major pollutant when applied in excess. On-the-spot phosphate testing can provide the information needed for better control of the use of phosphate fertilizer in the field.

As the August 2009 Groundwater bulletin from the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) puts it: “The most important reason to soil test is to have a basis for intelligent application of fertilizer…. We cannot afford to pollute our surface water and ground waters by indiscriminately applying phosphorus or nitrogen fertilizers.”

Reliable test kits that can be used on site enable quick, yet informed, decision making. The Nitrate Elimination Company, Inc. (NECi) has begun development of Phosphate Test Kits for Agriculture. The new kits will also be enzyme-based, ensuring that they are both accurate and safe.

Nutrient management will always play a major role in agriculture. Attaining
yield goals through sufficient fertilizer application has been the top priority. Today,
Best Management Practices (BMPs) encourage producers to consider impacts on water quality in addition to yield goals. The increasing cost of nutrient inputs increases the value of additional information on soil and water quality.

NECi is also currently working on ASTM validation for its nitrate assay, in both manual and automated formats. Please call if you would be interested in being included in the study.