Cold Vapor Technique Research Articles

Mercury (II) removal from aqueous solutions by iron nanoparticles synthesized from extract of Eucalyptus grandis

Artisanal mining is the main source of mercury emissions in South America, which generates a serious environmental impact due to this toxic metal, recent research is directed to minimize the impact, therefore this study focuses on the green synthesis of nanoparticles for the absorption of mercury in water. For the synthesis of iron nanoparticles, an extract of Eucalyptus grandis was used with iron chloride salts using water as solvent. The synthesized nanoparticles showed a specific surface area of 131.90 m2/g, determined by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm (BET). Nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (MET). The behavior of nanoparticles synthesized during Hg (II) retention was evaluated measuring pH, temperature, nanoparticle dosing, presence of other ions and comparing with other adsorbents. All analyses measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy by the cold vapor technique (CVAAS), presenting a retention percentage for Hg (II) between 75.05 and 79.59% with pH between 4 and 7. The adsorption isothermal was adjusted to the Freundlich model and the percentage of retention of Hg by the synthesized nanoparticle was 79.26%. This work shows a method for obtaining an environmentally friendly mercury adsorbent from iron and E. grandis with a mercury retention capacity comparable to commercial adsorbents.

Levels of Heavy Metals Contamination (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) in Some Human Consumption Water Sources in Agbangnizoun and Za-Kpota Town Halls, Southern Benin

In the current decades, the increasing presence of metallic contaminants in water for human consumption has become a major public health concern. This concern is even more pronounced in rural areas such as in the Town Halls of Agbangnizoun and Za-Kpota where the majority of households use surface water, wells and tanks to satisfy their daily drinking water needs, without any prior treatment, due to the low level of access to drinking water supplied by the State. This study aims at assessing the levels of contamination of these resources in mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As). The mercury was determined using the cold vapor technique by the Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) while lead and cadmium were analyzed by molecular absorption spectrophotometry by the DR 3900. The Arsenic was extracted by distillation using the silver diethyldithiocarbamate method then measured by molecular spectrophotometry technique. The results show that surface waters contain great quantities of metals than well and cistern waters. Lead (220.97 ± 9.45 µg/L) and cadmium (20.13 ± 0.17 µg/L) in surface waters have levels above WHO guidelines and Bénin standards. On the other hand, there is no significant difference between the metal concentrations of well and cistern waters at the 5% threshold compared to the borehole water (witness sample). Significant correlations are established between toxic metals (Pb and Cd) and physical parameters (turbidity and suspended matters) at the threshold of 1 %. As for mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As), the concentrations are very lower than these of Cd and Pb and below the quantification limit of the device. These results confirm that the surface waters consumed by the populations of the Town Halls of Agbangnizoun and Za-Kpota do not respect drinking water standards.

Cold vapor integrated quartz crystal microbalance (CV-QCM) based detection of mercury ions with gold nanostructures

In this study, we developed a novel method of integrating the well-accepted cold vapor technique with gold nanostructured based quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) devices to selectively detect mercury ions (Hg2+). This method allows for the conversion of aqueous mercury ions into elemental mercury (Hg°) vapor form and thereon use the highly sensitive QCM based mercury vapor sensors to detect the evolved mercury. The method involves reducing mercury chloride (HgCl2) in contaminated water by mixing it with a 2% tin chloride (SnCl2) solution in order to evolve Hg° vapor from the liquid mixture. The selectivity and sensitivity performance of each gold nanostructure, namely, the control Au thin film (Au-ctrl), Au-nanospheres (Au-NS) and Au-nanourchins (Au-NU), towards mercury vapor was evaluated. It was found that Au-NS and Au-NU sensors displayed up to 79% and 243% higher response magnitudes than the Au-ctrl sensor for various concentrations of HgCl2, respectively. All three sensors exhibited repeatable sensing performance when reporting the concentrations from 5 sensing events involving 500 ppb HgCl2 solution with Au-ctrl, Au-NS and Au-NU having the coefficient of variance (CoV) values of ˜5.7, 2.9 and 3.8%, respectively. Moreover, the sensors were observed to operate in the linear region with the mercury ion concentration range calibrated and tested. Importantly, the sensors showed no cross-interference effects when tested toward Hg2+ ions with and without the presence of other metal ions such as lead, cadmium, manganese, iron, and zinc. The results indicate that the CV-QCM technique developed is feasible to be potentially used in real-world mercury monitoring applications.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation in commercial Lethrinidae fish species in Mauritius.

Concentrations of heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury and trace elements chromium, copper, nickel and zinc were tested in the muscle tissue of four commercial edible lethrinids fish species from different region of Mauritius. Sky emperor (Lethrinus mahsena) was collected from coastal regions as well as offshore regions (banks) for this study. Blackspot emperor (Lethrinus harak) and spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) were also studied for their popularity in the fish market. Condition factor was calculated for each fish and the highest value obtained was in Lethrinus mahsena collected from offshore regions (2.598 cm/g). Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used to analyse copper, nickel and zinc while, graphite furnace technique was used for cadmium, chromium and lead. Mercury levels were evaluated with the cold vapour technique and arsenic with the thermal hydride cell. The level of lead, mercury, copper, nickel and zinc ranged from 0.0011-0.0024 mg/L, 0.0016-0.0036 mg/L, 0.080-0.389 mg/L, 0.566-1.192 mg/L and 0.219-0.422 respectively in wet weight. Interspecies variations in levels of heavy metals and trace elements were observed for nickel and no significant variations occurred for mercury, lead and zinc. Concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements were all within the permissible level except for nickel. As per this study, the Food Act 1998 of Mauritius must be reviewed in order to incorporate the Maximum Permissible Level for nickel.

Effect of Probiotic Bacillus Coagulans and Lactobacillus Plantarum on Alleviation of Mercury Toxicity in Rat.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus coagulans) against mercury-induced toxicity using a rat model. Mercury (Hg) is a widespread heavy metal and was shown to be associated with various diseases. Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (control, mercury-only, each probiotic-only, and mercury plus each probiotic group). Hg-treated groups received 10ppm mercuric chloride, and probiotic groups were administrated 1×109CFU of probiotics daily for 48days. Levels of mercury were determined using cold vapor technique, and some biochemical factors (list like glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), creatinine, urea, bilirubin, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST)) were measured to evaluate changes in oxidative stress. Oral administration of either probiotic was found to provide significant protection against mercury toxicity by decreasing the mercury level in the liver and kidney and preventing alterations in the levels of GPx and SOD. Probiotic treatment generated marked reduction in the levels of creatinine, urea, bilirubin, ALT, and AST indicating the positive influence of the probiotics on the adverse effects of Hg in the body.

Mercury Mining in Mexico: I. Community Engagement to Improve Health Outcomes from Artisanal Mining

BackgroundMercury is an element that cannot be destroyed and is a global threat to human and environmental health. In Latin America and the Caribbean, artisanal and small-scale gold mining represents the main source of mercury emissions, releases, and consumption. However, another source of concern is the primary production of mercury. In the case of Mexico, in the past 2 years the informal production of mercury mining has increased 10-fold. Considering this scenario, an intervention program was initiated to reduce health risks in the mining communities. The program's final goal is to introduce different alternatives in line to stop the mining of mercury, but introducing at the same time, a community-based development program. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to present results from a preliminary study in the community of Plazuela, located in the municipality of Peñamiller in the State of Queretaro, Mexico. MethodsTotal mercury was measured in urine and environmental samples using atomic absorption spectrometry by cold vapor technique. Urine samples were collected from children aged 6-14 years and who had lived in the selected area from birth. Urine samples were also collected from miners who were currently working in the mine. To confirm the presence of mercury in the community, mining waste, water, soil, and sediment samples were collected from those high-risk areas identified by members of the community. FindingsChildren, women, and miners were heavily exposed to mercury (urine samples); and in agreement, we registered high concentrations of mercury in soils and sediments. ConclusionConsidering these results and taking into account that the risk perception toward mercury toxicity is very low in the community (mining is the only economic activity), an integral intervention program has started.

Determination of Mercury in Environmental Samples by Using Water Exchangeable Liquid-Liquid Microextraction as Green Extraction Method Couple with Cold Vapor Technique

This is a green method for determination of mercury ion (Hg2+) in environmental samples. The method of exchangeable water based on liquid-liquid microextraction (EW-LLME) was first time introduced as a green analytical separation technique. Exchangeable water was made by the reaction of carbon dioxide with diethylenetriamine. The exchanging phenomena from low polarity to high polarity were confirmed by Fourier transforms infrared spectrometry. The complex formation between Hg2+ and 1, 5-diphenylcarbazone was achieved under the optimized experimental conditions. The enrichment factor and limits of detection of the present method were obtained to be 45.2 and 0.5 ng L−1, respectively. The accuracy of the present method was confirmed with certified reference materials. The EW-LLME was successfully applied for determination of Hg2+ in solid matrices of block-III and V of Thar coalfield.

Evaluation of environmental conditions: air, water and soil in areas of mining activity in Boyacá, Colombia

Objectives To determine concentrations of PM10, mercury and lead in indoor air of homes, water sources and soil in municipalities near mining operations. Method 6 points were evaluated in areas of influence and 2 in control areas. For measurements of indoor air, we used the NIOSH 600 method (PM10), NIOSH 6009 (mercury) and NIOSH 7300 (lead). For water analysis we used the IDEAM Guide for monitoring discharges. For soil analysis, we used the cold vapor technique (mercury) and atomic absorption (lead). Results In almost all selected households, the average PM10 and mercury concentrations in indoor air exceeded applicable air quality standards. Concentrations of lead were below standard levels. In all water sources, high concentrations of lead were found and in some places within the mining areas, high levels of iron, aluminum and mercury were also found. In soil, mercury concentrations were below the detection level and for lead, differences between the monitored points were observed. Conclusions The results do not establish causal relationships between mining and concentration of these pollutants in the evaluated areas because of the multiplicity of sources in the area. However, such studies provide important information, useful to agents of the environmental health system and researchers. Installation of networks for environmental monitoring to obtain continuous reports is suggested.

Fast ultrasound-assisted treatment of inorganic fertilizers for mercury determination by atomic absorption spectrometry and microwave-induced plasma spectrometry with the aid of the cold-vapor technique

This work reports a fast and efficient ultrasound-assisted extraction of mercury in inorganic fertilizers for its determination by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV AAS) and microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES), using a 10% (w/v) SnCl2 as reductant agent. A multi-mode sample introduction system (MSIS) was coupled to the MIP OES equipment to make possible the generation of mercury vapor in the nebulizer chamber. The optimized protocol involved the treatment of 150mg of fertilizer with 4mL of 30% (v/v) HCl inside glass tubes using a conventional ultrasonic bath for 5min. Comparable analytical results were obtained for mercury determined by both CV AAS and MIP OES, with better detection limits for the latter technique. The proposed extraction procedure is simple and versatile, and contributes to minimal generation of waste (low volume of diluted HCl) in comparison to the official method.

Risk assessment of the total mercury in Golden gray mullet (Liza aurata) from Caspian Sea

Mercury is the most toxic heavy metal in the aquatic ecosystems which originates both from natural and industrial resources and is ultimately deposited in sediments as methyl mercury. This metal is quickly transferred through the food chain and accumulated in organisms. In this study, the human health risk due to consumption of Mullet ( Liza aurata ) in the Caspian Sea, were evaluated by measuring the concentration of mercury in muscle samples using Atomic absorbtion spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer FIAS-100) and cold vapor technique. A total of 60 fresh Mullet samples were collected by local fisherman from 12 stations on the southern coast of Caspian Sea in Mazandaran province situated in the north of Iran. The average concentration of mercury in Mullet muscle was 0.137 µg/g of fresh weight (0.432 µg/g dry weight) which was less than the allowable amount for human consumption determined by the international organizations such as United States Environmental Protection Agency, World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organizations and the Food and Drug Administration. The calculations indicated that daily and weekly mercury uptake for Iranian consumers is lower than the guide values (Acceptable Daily Intake and Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake) provided by international organizations. Also, Hazard Quotient Index was below 1 (0.35). Therefore, the consumption of the Mullet is not a serious threat to the consumer’s health and a consumption permitted rate of 51 g per day is recommended.

Quantifying uncertainty in measurement of mercury in suspended particulate matter by cold vapor technique using atomic absorption spectrometry with hydride generator

As a result of rapid industrialization several chemical forms of organic and inorganic mercury are constantly introduced to the environment and affect humans and animals directly. All forms of mercury have toxic effects; therefore accurate measurement of mercury is of prime importance especially in suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected through high volume sampler (HVS). In the quantification of mercury in SPM samples several steps are involved from sampling to final result. The quality, reliability and confidence level of the analyzed data depends upon the measurement uncertainty of the whole process. Evaluation of measurement uncertainty of results is one of the requirements of the standard ISO/IEC 17025:2005 (European Standard EN IS/ISO/IEC 17025:2005, issue1:1-28, 2006). In the presented study the uncertainty estimation in mercury determination in suspended particulate matter (SPM) has been carried out using cold vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometer-Hydride Generator (AAS-HG) technique followed by wet chemical digestion process. For the calculation of uncertainty, we have considered many general potential sources of uncertainty. After the analysis of data of seven diverse sites of Delhi, it has been concluded that the mercury concentration varies from 1.59 ± 0.37 to 14.5 ± 2.9 ng/m3 with 95% confidence level (k = 2).

Heavy Metals in Sediment Ecosystem of Bhavan’s College Lake of Andheri, Mumbai

The present study was initiated to understand the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in sediments of Bhavan’s College Lake of Andheri, Mumbai. The study was performed for a period of one year starting from June 2011 to May 2012 to quantify the toxic heavy metals like Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Fe, Hg, As and Cd by atomic absorption spectroscopy technique coupled with cold vapour technique (for Hg analysis) and hydride generation technique(for As analysis). It was observed that the yearly average concentrations of these heavy metals in lake sediments were 0.53, 0.25, 0.42, 0.43, 4.6, 0.14, 0.12 and 0.11 ppm respectively which were above the WHO limits for aquatic life and CPCB limits for inland surface water. These heavy metals accumulated in lake sediments may enter the water thereby creating threat to aquatic life. They may enter the food chain through biomagnifications and may create adverse effect on human health. It is expected that in addition to the water analysis which is practiced for years, sediment analysis performed in the present investigation will help in evaluating quality of the total ecosystem of the lake. It will also provide environmentally significant information about natural and anthropogenic influence on the water body.

Heavy Metals in Sediment Ecosystem of Bhavan’s College Lake of Andheri, Mumbai

The present study was initiated to understand the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in sediments of Bhavan’s College Lake of Andheri, Mumbai. The study was performed for a period of one year starting from June 2011 to May 2012 to quantify the toxic heavy metals like Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Fe, Hg, As and Cd by atomic absorption spectroscopy technique coupled with cold vapour technique (for Hg analysis) and hydride generation technique(for As analysis). It was observed that the yearly average concentrations of these heavy metals in lake sediments were 0.53, 0.25, 0.42, 0.43, 4.6, 0.14, 0.12 and 0.11 ppm respectively which were above the WHO limits for aquatic life and CPCB limits for inland surface water. These heavy metals accumulated in lake sediments may enter the water thereby creating threat to aquatic life. They may enter the food chain through biomagnifications and may create adverse effect on human health. It is expected that in addition to the water analysis which is practiced for years, sediment analysis performed in the present investigation will help in evaluating quality of the total ecosystem of the lake. It will also provide environmentally significant information about natural and anthropogenic influence on the water body.

Polonium (210Po), uranium (234U, 238U) isotopes and trace metals in mosses from Sobieszewo Island, northern Poland

The activity of polonium 210Po and uranium 234U, 238U radionuclides, as well as trace metals in mosses, collected from Sobieszewo Island area (northern Poland), were determined using the alpha spectrometry, AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry) and OES-ICP (atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma). The concentrations of mercury (directly from the solid sample) were determined by the cold vapor technique of CV AAS. The obtained results revealed that the concentrations of 210Po, 234U, and 238U in the two analyzed kinds of mosses: schrebers big red stem moss (Pleurozium schreberi) and broom moss (Dicranum scoparium) were similar. The higher polonium concentrations were found in broom moss (Dicranum scoparium), but uranium concentrations were relatively low for both species of analyzed mosses. Among the analyzed trace metals the highest concentration in mosses was recorded for iron, while the lowest for nickel, cadmium and mercury. The obtained studies showed that the sources of polonium and uranium isotopes, as well as trace metals in analyzed mosses are air city contaminations transported from Gdańsk and from existing in the vicinity the phosphogypsum waste heap in Wiślinka (near Gdańsk).

Development and optimization of a method for detecting low mercury concentrations in humic-rich natural water samples using a CV-ICP-MS technique

In this study a method for the determination of low total mercury (THg) concentrations in humic-rich natural water samples using cold vapor technique coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (CV-ICP-MS) was developed and optimized. Instrumental parameters of the CV-ICP-MS system were optimized using experimental design software and the amount of oxidizing agent, bromine monochloride (BrCl), adjusted so as to be sufficient for the high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (16–113mg DOCL−1) present in the field samples analyzed in this study. Method performance was assessed using spike recovery tests and analyzing certified reference material (ERM-CA615, groundwater). The detection and quantification limits of the method were 0.7ngL−1 (3σ) and 2.2ngL−1 (10σ), respectively. The field samples were collected from eight peatland forest catchments located in eastern Finland, six of which had been harvested for a study into the potential consequences of forest harvesting on trace metal mobility. THg concentrations in unfiltered, undiluted natural water samples determined using the optimized CV-ICP-MS method were compared with concentrations determined by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometer (CV-AFS) based on the EPA method 1631. The results obtained with the two different methods were in good agreement with each other (r2=0.98). The CV-ICP-MS method was found to be reliable for detecting low THg concentrations in humic-rich natural waters.

Mercury Levels in Locally Manufactured Mexican Skin-Lightening Creams

Mercury is considered one of the most toxic elements for plants and animals. Nevertheless, in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, whitening creams containing mercury are being manufactured and purchased, despite their obvious health risks. Due to the mass distribution of these products, this can be considered a global public health issue. In Mexico, these products are widely available in pharmacies, beauty aid and health stores. They are used for their skin lightening effects. The aim of this work was to analyze the mercury content in some cosmetic whitening creams using the cold vapor technique coupled with atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). A total of 16 skin-lightening creams from the local market were investigated. No warning information was noted on the packaging. In 10 of the samples, no mercury was detected. The mercury content in six of the samples varied between 878 and 36,000 ppm, despite the fact that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the limit for mercury in creams should be less than 1 ppm. Skin creams containing mercury are still available and commonly used in Mexico and many developing countries, and their contents are poorly controlled.

A New Thioamide Derivative for Separation and Preconcentration of Multi Elements in Aquatic Environment by Cloud Point Extraction

2-(pyridine-2-yl)-N-p-chlorohydrazinecarbothioamide (HCPTS) was synthesized, characterized and successfully applied for the preconcentration of Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Co(II), Pb(II), Fe(II), and Hg(II) in water, blood, and urine samples prior to graphite furnace atomic absorption determination (GFAAS); Hg was determined by cold vapor technique. Under the optimum experimental conditions (i.e. pH = 8, 10–4 M of HCPTS, 0.05% w/v of Triton X-114), calibration graphs were linear in the range of 0.02 to 200 ng?mL–1 for Co(II), Cd(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II); 0.03 to 200 ng?mL–1 for Cu(II); 0.07 to 200 ng?mL–1 for Fe(II) and Zn(II) and 0.02 to 150 ng?mL–1 for Hg(II). The enrichment factors were 43, 51, 41, 46, 54, 40, 45 and 52 for Cu(II), Ni(II),Zn (II), Cd(II), Co(II), Pb(II), Fe(II), and Hg(II), respectively. The limit of detection were found to be 0.019, 0.094, 0.0514, 0.052, 0.0165, 0.047, 0.068 and 0.041 ng?mL–1 for Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Co(II), Pb(II), Fe(II), and Hg(II), respectively. The developed method was applied to the determination of these metal ions in water, blood and urine samples with satisfactory results.

Monitoring of heavy metals in wild mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Spanish North-Atlantic coast

Concentrations of five heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) were determined in tissues of wild mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected at 41 stations located on the Spanish Atlantic and Northern coasts to assess the levels and spatial distribution of metals in the environment. This study, performed in 2005, constituted a contribution to the last international OSPAR pollution monitoring survey. A pool of mussel soft tissue was prepared using 50 or more individuals, representing the size range present at the sampling points. Quantification was carried out after a nitric acid digestion by atomic absorption spectrometry, AAS (Cd and Pb by electrothermal AAS; Cu and Zn by flame AAS; and total mercury by the cold vapour technique). The quality of the chemical analyses was assessed by interlaboratory exercises carried out on a regular basis. In general, the levels of the metals were higher for the Northern region than for the Atlantic one (except for a sampling site close to Vigo, one of the main Galician industrial areas). Some Galician sampling points (Atlantic coast, NW of Spain) located far from human inputs showed high Cd concentrations, which were attributed to the annual upwelling processes in this region. The levels of Cu increased from Northwest to East, whereas Zn concentrations were very homogeneous throughout the two studied geographical regions. These results were confirmed using multivariate studies (PCA and cluster analysis), as well as international ‘background assessment concentrations’ criteria.

Heavy metals in edible seaweeds commercialised for human consumption

Though seaweed consumption is growing steadily across Europe, relatively few studies have reported on the quantities of heavy metals they contain and/or their potential effects on the population's health. This study focuses on the first topic and analyses the concentrations of six typical heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, total As and inorganic As) in 52 samples from 11 algae-based products commercialised in Spain for direct human consumption ( Gelidium spp.; Eisenia bicyclis; Himanthalia elongata; Hizikia fusiforme; Laminaria spp.; Ulva rigida; Chondrus crispus; Porphyra umbilicales and Undaria pinnatifida). Samples were ground, homogenised and quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry (Cu and Zn by flame AAS; Cd, Pb and total As by electrothermal AAS; total mercury by the cold vapour technique; and inorganic As by flame-hydride generation). Accuracy was assessed by participation in periodic QUASIMEME (Quality Assurance of Information in Marine Environmental Monitoring in Europe) and IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) intercalibration exercises. To detect any objective differences existing between the seaweeds' metal concentrations, univariate and multivariate studies (principal component analysis, cluster analysis and linear discriminant analysis) were performed. It is concluded that the Hizikia fusiforme samples contained the highest values of total and inorganic As and that most Cd concentrations exceeded the French Legislation. The two harvesting areas (Atlantic and Pacific oceans) were differentiated using both univariate studies (for Cu, total As, Hg and Zn) and a multivariate discriminant function (which includes Zn, Cu and Pb).

MSFIA system for mercury determination by cold vapour technique with atomic fluorescence detection

A new multisyringe flow injection analysis system for mercury determination using cold vapour technique assembling with atomic fluorescence spectrometry is proposed. The system consists of a multisyringe module as liquid driver, a gas–liquid separator, a gas dryer device and an atomic fluorescence detector. As reducing agent, 1% tin chloride solution is used. Standard solutions and carrier are prepared in 1% hydrochloric acid. An argon stream is employed as carrier gas for cold vapour technique. The development of the smart analytical system is feasible due to the four internal gains of the atomic detector and the versatility of software used. According to the signal obtained, the software is able to choose the most suitable internal gain for sample analysis. Four linear calibration curves (i.e. one for each internal gain) were obtained. The smart system developed allows to determine a wide concentration range from 120 to 0.006 μg L −1 Hg. The detection limit (3 σ/ S) achieved is 0.002 μg L −1. The relative standard deviation is inferior to 2% for each calibration curve. This system was validated by means of a solid reference material and it was applied to environmental samples successfully.