Abltract. Atomic Ruorescence-based metnods nave been developed for measuring ultratrace level. of mercury (Hg) in environmental (water, soil) and biological (fisn tissue) samplea. In addition, metnods for preparation of water, soil, and tinus samples nave been developed. For tne analysis of total Hg in soil, sediment and fisn tne samples are digested with concentrated nitric aCId in saaled glass ampulas, and subsequently autoclaved. Water samples are digested using standard brominating procedures. A Merlin Plus, PS Analytical atomic fluorescence spectromete, (AFS) system equipped with an autoaampler, vapor generator, fluorescence detector and a PC based integrator package ia used in tne determination of total Hg. Tne determinetion of Hg mercury species in water, witnout pra-derivatization, involves adsorbant pre-concentration of tne organomarcurials onto sulfydryl-cotton fibers. Tha organic Hg compounds are alutad with a small volume of acidic KBr and CuSO. and extracted into dichloromethane. Sediment, soil and tissua samples are homogenizad and the organomercurials first released from the sample by the combined action of ecidic KBr and CuSO. and extracted into dichloromethane. The initial extracts are subjected to tniosulfate clean-up and tne organomercury species are iaolated as tneir chloride derivatives by cupric chloride eddition anei subsequent extraction into a small volume of dichlorometnane. Analyais of organic Hg compounda is accomplisned by capillary column chromatograpny coupled witn atomic fluorescenca detection.

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