Non-chromatographic determination of inorganic and total mercury by atomic absorption spectrometry based on a dielectric barrier discharge atomizer

Abstract

A novel, fast and simple non-chromatographic approach for determination of inorganic and total mercury has been developed by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry based on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) atomizer. The determination of inorganic mercury and total mercury can be achieved in a fast sequential fashion (1 min sample−1). In the proposed method, with 0.01% (m/v) NaBH4 used as reductant, inorganic mercury is reduced to elemental mercury, whereas the methylmercury forms an intermediate volatile methylmercury hydride (CH3HgH). A low temperature DBD atomizer was employed for the atomization of CH3HgH. Only inorganic mercury can be measured in the absence of the DBD plasma. However, in addition to inorganic mercury, CH3HgH can be atomized and total mercury is determined in the presence of the plasma. The methylmercury concentration can then be obtained from the difference. The effects of several experimental parameters, such as NaBH4 concentration, HCl concentration, discharge gas and gas flow rate on the analytical performance were investigated. The method provided good reproducibility (<3% RSD) and the detection limits of Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ were found to be 0.35 ng mL−1 and 0.54 ng mL−1, respectively. The proposed method was validated by the analysis of a certified reference material (tuna fish). In addition, it was successfully applied to the analysis of fish samples. The method is excellent for mercury speciation measurements as it provides short analysis time and good reproducibility.