The solubility and speciation of Pu(VI) with phosphate is being investigated to determine the ability of phosphate to act as an actinide getter. In the initial studies performed, solubility was approached from oversaturation at an initial pH = 4, 10 and 13.4. Absorption spectra were recorded, the solution filtered, and the filtrate analyzed for Pu content. Absorption spectra were obtained at varying phosphate concentrations, and at pH of 2.7 to 11.9. The effect of complexation on the 833 nm Pu(VI) band was characterized. Evidence for three phosphate complexes was obtained for pH < 10, which have absorption bands at 842, 846 and 849 nm. Evidence for colloid formation was observed, but is not conclusive. The possible presence of colloids prevented an accurate determination of true solubility. A concentration of 10−5 to 10−6M Pu(VI) was measured in solutions at pH ≤ 10 that was filtered with a 50 nm filter. Pu(VI)-phosphate complexes predominated at pH ≤ 11.6. At higher pH, however, only hydrolyzed Pu(VI) was detected. At pH = 12, the concentration of Pu(VI) was as high as 10−4M.