A new technique for the separation and analysis of organomercury compounds: HPLC-PCO-CVAAS

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:49613

Engelhart, W G ^[1]

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1. Thermo Separation Products, Riviera Beach, FL (United States)

While methodologies and instrumentation for mercury are well established, a simple, reliable technique for quantifying organomercury compounds has not emerged. The environmental impact of organomercurials cannot be accurately assessed without data from reliable, standardized analytical procedures. AOAC methods do exist for the analysis of methylmercury in fish tissue and are used for compliance monitoring of the FDA`s 1 ppm action level. However, these gas chromatographic based methods exhibit poor selectivity for organomercury compounds and limited sensitivity due to the small injection volumes used. Virtually all other publications in the field are feasibility studies reporting results obtained using modified, experimental instrumentation. Difficulties in interfacing the instruments required for separation with the instruments performing the quantitation function have hindered adoption of these experimental approaches as routine analytical methods. A new technique for the separation and analysis of organomercury compounds that overcomes the limitations of other techniques has recently been demonstrated. This technique termed HPLC-PCO-CVAAS combines high performance liquid chromatography with a post column oxidation step by followed by cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. The underlying principles of the HPLC-PCO-CVAAS technique will be discussed and contrasted with other techniques. Analytical results obtained with methyl, phenyl and ethyl mercury species, and inorganic mercury (II) will be reported.

• OSTI ID: 49613
• Report Number(s): CONF-9410273--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
LIQUID COLUMN CHROMATOGRAPHY
MERCURY
ORGANIC MERCURY COMPOUNDS