The rate of loss of mercury from aqueous solution when stored in various containers

Abstract

Solutions of natural water and distilled water were spiked with mercury(II) (25 p.p.b.) and stored in polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and soft glass containers. Losses of mercury at different pH values were monitored by flameless atomic absorption for a total of 17 days. Severe losses of mercury were observed at pH 2 and 7. Mercury loss from solution followed first-order kinetics; the half-lives of mercury loss under various conditions were calculated. Acidification of the solutions to pH 0.5 with nitric acid curtailed mercury loss substantially. Possible ways of reducing the loss of mercury from environmental water samples are discussed.