Abstract
Abstract A preconcentration-storing technique that does not require any special or expensive apparatus and reagents was developed to monitor mercury in rainwater and snow at many points as simultaneously as possible. A commercially available sodium hypochlorite solution was added to the sample solution to prevent a decrease in mercury concentration after sampling. Mercury(II) ion (0.5–50 ng) in 500 mL of the sample solution was concentrated by adding zinc(II) ion and a small amount of sulfide ion and then coagulating/coprecipitating with Zn(OH)2 or ZnS after reduction of residual hypochlorite by addition of hydroxylammonium chloride. The supernatant solution was discarded by decantation, and the solution including the precipitates could be stored for at least 20 days without any loss of mercury. The recoveries of mercury(II) ion from the 500 mL of the sample solutions spiked with mercury(II) ions were 99–109%, with standard deviation ranges of 3–8%, although the recovery of methylmercury(II) ion was 68 ± 5%. Using this technique, the determination of mercury in rainwater and snow was demonstrated at Toyama Prefecture, Japan, from April 2004 to February 2005; mercury levels ranging from 2.7 to 33.7 ng L−1 were found.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call