The determination of mercury in seawater using atomic fluorescence spectroscopy

Costal and seawater matrices are considered some of the most difficult sample types to analyse because of the often ultra-trace concentrations of target analytes, as well as the high total dissolved solids (TDS) that are present.

There are matrix and spectral interferences that analytical challenges using the common ICP-MS approach as the high TDS can lead to salt precipitation within the nebuliser, torch and cones. This is normally addressed by diluting the sample, but this has the undesired consequence of diluting the already ultra-trace concentration of Hg making accurate and precise analysis very difficult.

The employment of PS Analytical instrument, the Millennium Merlin 1631 (for Hg) and for seawater analysis is useful as the systems are not subject the interferences by either high TDS or polyatomic spectral issues.

These AFS systems offer excellent sensitivity (in the ppt range), wide linear working ranges, ease of use and rapid return on investment.

The analysers also allow the determination of mercury in other environmental matrices, such as drinking water, wastewater, soils, sediments and sludges.