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Rapid determination of methylmercury in fish and shellfish: method development

Journal Article · · J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6609647
The AOAC official first action method for methylmercury in fish and shellfish was modified to provide more rapid determination. Methylmercury is isolated from homogenized, acetone-washed tissue by addition of HCl and extraction by toluene of the methylmercuric chloride produced. The extract is analyzed by electron capture gas chromatography (GC) on 5% DEGS-PS treated with mercuric chloride solution. The quantitation limit of the method is 0.25 ..mu..g Hg/g. Swordfish, shark, tuna, shrimp, clams, oysters, and NBS Research Material-50 (tuna) were analyzed for methylmercury by the AOAC official first action method. All products also were analyzed by the modified method and the AOAC official method for total Hg. In addition, selected extracts obtained with the modified method were analyzed by GC with Hg-selective, microwave-induced helium plasma detection. There was no significant different between the results for the various methods. Essentially all the Hg present (determined as total Hg) was in the organic form. Coefficients of variation from analyses by the modified method ranged from 1 to 7% for fish and shellfish containing methylmercury at levels of 0.50-2.30 ..mu..g Hg/g. The overall average recovery was 100.5%.
Research Organization:
Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC
OSTI ID:
6609647
Journal Information:
J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 70:1; ISSN JANCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English