Measuring Mercury in Sewage Sludge and Soil Samples
Author Information
Author(s): Tiezheng Guo, J6rn Baasner
Primary Institution: Bodenseewerk Perkin-Elmer GmbH
Hypothesis
The Flow Injection Mercury System (FIMS) can accurately measure mercury levels in complex samples like sewage sludge and soil.
Conclusion
The FIMS method provides precise and interference-free measurements of mercury levels in sewage sludge and soil samples.
Supporting Evidence
- The recoveries of spiked mercury in sewage sludge samples ranged from 96 to 100%.
- All results were in agreement with certified values from standard reference materials.
- The method was checked by analyzing standard reference materials.
Takeaway
This study shows a way to measure mercury in dirty samples without getting wrong results, making it easier to check for pollution.
Methodology
Samples were digested with aqua regia and measured using the FIMS system with SnCl2 as a reductant.
Potential Biases
Potential interferences from volatile nitrogen oxides and other organic compounds were acknowledged.
Limitations
Interferences from certain compounds were noted, but the method was designed to minimize these effects.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website