Monitoring Water for Orthophosphates With KETOS SHIELD

KETOS SHIELD can monitor for orthophosphates and an organization’s choice of water testing quality parameters in real-time. The device helps lower up-front costs with an industry-leading $0-CAPEX subscription model while removing the need for third-party lab analysis and on-site manual testing.

As an award-winning intelligent water management solution, KETOS SHIELD provides lab-accurate monitoring for orthophosphates and 30+ other parameters. Stay up-to-date on the latest water testing parameter readings of items such as heavy metals, inorganic materials, and various environmental factors). Monitoring is easy via an interoperable system that provides easy access to your data from any device (laptop, mobile, or tablet). 

Why Monitor Water for Orthophosphates with KETOS

Orthophosphate is used to create a protective barrier within plumbing. Thanks to this barrier, it can reduce lead contamination in drinking water and is the industry standard when dealing with lead corrosion in municipalities worldwide.

The EPA recognizes orthophosphate as an effective additive in reducing lead levels. Additionally, under the US Food and Drug Administration, it is recognized as safe and is considered non-toxic. It is a food-grade additive that treatment plants run through their systems to create a coating inside service lines – including lead surface lines. As a barrier, orthophosphate is an effective corrosion control against lead contamination.

Therefore, it is essential to understand orthophosphate levels over time to better manage critical and vulnerable water infrastructure and protect it from corrosion or potential contamination.

Orthophosphates is also a crucial plant macronutrient in Agricultural applications and is commonly added through external fertilzers.

What are the Issues with Orthophosphates in Water?

Orthophosphates, a form of phosphorus, are commonly found in water sources due to various natural and anthropogenic activities. While phosphorus is essential for biological processes and ecosystem health, elevated levels of orthophosphates in water can lead to several challenges and environmental concerns. Here are key issues associated with orthophosphates in water:

• Eutrophication: Orthophosphates serve as a primary nutrient for algae and aquatic plants, contributing to eutrophication when present in excess. Elevated orthophosphate levels can stimulate algal growth and bloom formation in water bodies, leading to oxygen depletion, fish kills, and habitat degradation. Eutrophication can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and impair water quality, affecting recreational activities and ecosystem services.
• Drinking Water Contamination: High concentrations of orthophosphates in drinking water can pose health risks to humans. While orthophosphates themselves are not typically toxic, they can promote microbial growth and biofilm formation in water distribution systems, increasing the risk of microbiological contamination and waterborne diseases. Additionally, orthophosphates can contribute to scale formation in pipes and plumbing fixtures, affecting water quality and infrastructure integrity.
• Algal Blooms: Orthophosphates play a key role in fueling algal blooms, which can have detrimental effects on water quality and ecosystem health. Algal blooms can produce toxins that pose risks to human health and wildlife, leading to restrictions on recreational activities, fisheries closures, and economic losses for communities dependent on water resources for tourism, fishing, and other activities.
• Nutrient Pollution: Orthophosphate pollution is a significant contributor to nutrient pollution in water bodies, alongside other sources of phosphorus such as agricultural runoff, wastewater discharges, and urban stormwater runoff. Excessive nutrient inputs can disrupt natural nutrient cycles, alter ecosystem dynamics, and lead to ecological imbalances such as harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, and habitat degradation.
• Regulatory Concerns: Governments and regulatory agencies establish guidelines and standards for orthophosphate levels in water to protect public health and the environment. Compliance with these regulations presents challenges for water utilities and municipalities, requiring effective monitoring, treatment, and management measures to mitigate orthophosphate pollution and ensure water quality.
• Treatment Challenges: Removing orthophosphates from water sources can be challenging, as they are highly soluble and persistent in aquatic environments. Conventional treatment methods such as coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration may be ineffective for orthophosphate removal. Advanced treatment technologies such as biological nutrient removal, chemical precipitation, and adsorption may be required to reduce orthophosphate concentrations to acceptable levels.

How to Easily Monitor Water for Orthophosphates

Test orthophosphate levels and a variety of other water testing parameters from one place via KETOS.

Test orthophosphate levels and an array of water testing parameters from a single platform. Simplify data collection and analysis, streamlining your water quality management processes. With KETOS, access comprehensive insights conveniently, ensuring effective monitoring and regulatory compliance for your organization.