Validation of Mercury Determination by Solid Sampling Zeeman Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and a Specially Designed Furnace

Mercury is a naturally occurring element which is released into the environment from both natural sources and as a result of industrial pollution. Microbial activity is responsible for the conversion of inorganic mercury into the more toxic organic forms. Methylated mercury is easily absorbed by most organisms and causes serious effects to humans and animals, like disruption of the nervous system, damage to brain and kidney functions, stomach disruption, DNA alteration and negative reproductive effects. The detection of mercury at trace levels is a complex analytical task because of the specific physical and chemical properties of this element. In the present study a Solid Sampling Zeeman Atomic Absorption Spectrometer equipped with a specially designed nickel tube furnace and platinum transport platforms was used. The nickel tube as absorption cell is about 10 times longer than recent graphite tubes which results in a corresponding increase of sensitivity. The temperature program provides only for one step (atomisation) at a constant temperature of 1000oC. Therefore there is no risk of analyte losses during drying and ashing of the sample. The method is validated by analysing certified reference materials of different origin. The results obtained are in good agreement with the certified values. The relative standard deviation in all cases does not exceed 3% RSD. A limit of detection of 0.008 µg g-1 Hg was achieved.

GROBECKER Karl-Heinz;  DETCHEVA-TCHAKAROVA Albena; 

2006-12-22

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

JRC31261

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC31261,