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Detection of mercuric bromide in a gas phase flow cell by laser photofragment fluorescence spectroscopy

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es9813461· OSTI ID:687361
;  [1];  [2]
  1. New Jersey Inst. of Tech., Newark, NJ (United States)
  2. Optomechanical Enterprises, Inc., Allentown, NJ (United States)

Photofragment fluorescence (PFF) spectroscopy offers real-time monitoring capability with high-analytical sensitivity and selectivity for volatile mercury compounds found in process gas streams, such as incinerator stacks. In this work, low concentrations (6 ppb to 30 ppm) of mercuric bromide (HgBr{sub 2}) vapor were introduced into an atmospheric pressure flow cell. The PFF technique used 222 nm laser radiation to photolyze HgBr{sub 2} and excite fluorescence from the resulting Hg atoms at 253.7 nm. The fluorescence intensity was linear with laser fluence over the range of 45--180 mJ/cm{sup 2}. Extrapolated detection limits by this method below 1 ppb of HgBr{sub 2} in the absence of air are estimated. A linear dynamic detection range up to 0.7 ppm is reported.

OSTI ID:
687361
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 18 Vol. 33; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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