Phosphate compounds are prevalent in malt and are important pH buffers in brewing, useful for reducing mash pH. High levels are found in brewery wastewater, where it must be treated.

Common Values for Phosphate

  Barley Malted Barley Wort US Tapwater Pilsen Water Burton-on-Trent Water Brewing Targets Levels in Beer
Phosphate ... 759 60 - 214 0.14 ... ... ... 170 - 600

 

Phosphate levels of malt from various malthouses