“…However, despite the low limits of detection of CVAAS, the analysis of some samples requires a separation and preconcentration step. Several techniques for the preconcentration of mercury have been proposed, including coprecipitation [8], noble metal amalgamation [9,10,11], liquid-liquid extraction [12,13], solid phase extraction [14,15,16,17,18,19], purge-andtrap injection [20] and solid phase microextraction [21,22]. In comparison with solvent extraction, solid phase extraction is superior for preconcentration of trace metals in respect to minimum solvent waste generation, reduction of sample matrix effects and sorption of the target species on the solid surface in a more stable chemical form [23].…”