This open access book distinguished itself from other publications by offering step-by-step
instructions on how to extract purify provide modifications and major issues to be
encountered during the process. For the d18OP method to progress further fundamental research
as well as field and laboratory studies need to be conducted for a better understanding of P
cycling in the environment. Chapter 1 outlines the background and examples of d18Op studies in
sediments soils fresh water mineral fertilizers and plants. Chapters 2 and 3 examine the
stepwise extraction and purification protocols including reagents equipment and consumables
and preparations for analyses. Chapter 4 examines some of the challenges and modifications
during the purification process. Chapter 5 discusses planning and designing of a study using
d18Op external quality assurance with an example of an inter-laboratory study. Chapter 6
outlines the conclusions future trends and opportunities the scaling out of the method from
laboratory to field studies. It is expected that the d18OP would be extensively applied in
research geared to understand phosphorus dynamics in different agro-environments.
