Determination of mercury in biological and environmental samples by neutron activation analysis

Abstract

a complex with the pyrazole so that chromatographic separation cannot be achieved. Table II shows the analysis results of samples containing 1.0 ppm N2H< and each of several potential interferences at 100 ppm. Of the interferences tested, only Fe3+ and Cu2+ appear to have a significant effect on the gas chromatographic results. The p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (PDAB) results are affected by all but Cu2+ and Al3+. One-half gram of Na2EDTA was therefore added to 100-ml portions of the samples which contain the iron and copper prior to addition of the AA, and the pH was adjusted from ~1 to 5.5 with IN NaOH. The gas chromatographic analysis results show that the N2H< was recovered. Na2EDTA had no effect on the PDAB results.If a sample contains an impurity that has the same retention time as the pyrazole that is sought, a variety of substrates of varying polarity (i.e., polyethylene glycol, cyanoethylated polyols, Amine 220, Apiezon L on Teflon) can be used for this analysis and at least one of the above substrates should allow separation of the pyrazole from the interference. A blank (5) J. Roesmer, "Radiochemistry of Mercury," Nuclear Science Series NAS-NS-3026, rev, USAEC Division of Technical Information, Oak Ridge, Tenn., 1970.

The determination of mercury: A mini review

“…84 Samples can be sealed in quartz ampoules or in aluminium foil or in heavy grade polythene film. 85 ' 86 .…”

Metals in Sediments

“…Pillay et al 36 used a wet-washing procedure with sulfuric acid and perchloric acid to digest samples. The released mercury was precipitated as the sulfide.…”

“…59 Pillay et al 36 applied neutron activation analysis to the determination of 1.9-6.1 mg kg −1 mercury in Lake Erie. 59 Pillay et al 36 applied neutron activation analysis to the determination of 1.9-6.1 mg kg −1 mercury in Lake Erie.…”

Neutron activation techniques for the measurement of trace metals in environmental samples

“…The Hg was subsequently eluted and precipitated as HgS for counting (Ehmann and Levering, 1967), or electroplated onto Au or Pt foils Pillay et al (1971), Landstrom et al(1969), and Ljunggren et al (1970).…”