An HPLC method using anUVdetector was developed for the simultaneous determination of nitrites, nitrates and phosphates in environmental samples. Chromatographic separation was achieved isocratically on a Phenomenex Synergi Polar-RP LC column using acetonitrile and acidified water (pH 2.7) at 60:40 v/v as mobile phase. Baseline resolution of all the three analytes was achieved within 3 min. The developed method was applied to water samples obtained from the wastewater treatment plant in Gaborone, Botswana. The use ofHPLC technique in this study demonstrated its ability to carry out a simultaneous determination of NO₂^–, NO₃^– and PO₄^3– in water samples. The treatment plant was found to be functioning within expectations, removing 97.6% NO₂^–, 88.0% NO₃^– and 90.9% PO₄^3– from the received wastewater.Results of the developed method were comparable with those of the traditional ion chromatography method, showing accuracy values between 95.22%and 98.04 %. The precision of the method for the determination of all analytes was determined by RSD values, all of which were lower than 5%. The method is of low cost, fast, has an easy procedure and avoids the use of many reagents – some of which may be hazardous.

Keywords: HPLC-UV, simultaneous determination, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate

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