can somebody explain to me what's the differences between phosphate and orthophosphate?

Answer 1

Orthophosphate is PO4 3-
Metaphosphate is PO4-
Pyrophosphate is P2O7 4-

Answer 2

Phosphorus is a nutrient required by all organisms for the basic processes of life. Phosphorus is a natural element found in rocks, soils and organic material. Phosphorus clings tightly to soil particles and is used by plants, so its concentrations in clean waters is generally very low.

Organic phosphate is phosphate that is bound to plant or animal tissue. Organic phosphates are formed primarily by biological processes. They are contributed to sewage by body waste and food residues, and also may be formed from orthophosphates in biological treatment processes or by receiving water biota. Organic phosphates may occur as a result of the breakdown of organic pesticides which contain phosphates. They may exist in solution, as loose fragments, or in the bodies of aquatic organisms.

Inorganic phosphate is phosphate that is not associated with organic material. Types of inorganic phosphate include orthophosphate and polyphosphates. Orthophosphate is sometimes referred to as "reactive phosphorus." Orthophosphate is the most stable kind of phosphate, and is the form used by plants. Orthophosphate is produced by natural processes and is found in sewage. Polyphosphates (also known as metaphosphates or condensed phosphates) are strong complexing agents for some metal ions. Polyphosphates are used for treating boiler waters and in detergents. In water, polyphosphates are unstable and will eventually convert to orthophosphate.