Online analysis of mercury in water with part per trillion detection limits

The requirement for greater analytical sensitivity is an ongoing challenge. For heavy metals in particular regulations are getting tighter and tighter. So also is the requirement for online, stand automated systems that allows continuous monitoring and removes errors and omissions associated with manual operations.

PSA is proud to offer its most recent online instrument based on oxidative UV photolysis of Hg with cold vapour gold amalgamation atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CV-AFS). The instrument has been developed to meet the forthcoming effluent discharge limits for the USA which requires a discharge limit of 12ng/L (ppt). The system is designed to significantly reduce and minimise reagent consumption by use of syringe automation and batch analysis.

The incredible sensitivity is achieved using an on board Amasil gold trap for effective analyte concentration and simultaneous removal of interferences.

Similar instruments from PSA exist for the ultra low determination of arsenic and selenium also (a waste product from coal combustion), that operate in a similar fashion. These analytes are determined by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (HG–AFS), again with impressive savings on reagent volumes and costs.