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Determination of mercury and methylmercury in hair samples by neutron activation

  • Analytical Techniques
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Abstract

Mercury and methylmercury in hair samples were determined by neutron activation analysis. Samples were digested in 10M NaOH, and methylmercury was then isolated by solvent extraction with toluene. The isolated methylmercury was then absorbed onto cysteine paper. The dried cysteine paper was activated for six hours in a TRIGA reactor and methylmercury was analysed via 279.2 keV of203Hg. Methylmercury and total mercury in some standard reference materials were also analysed, and the results were in good agreement with those reported in the literature. Results for hair samples showed that the methylmercury concentration ranged 14–40% of the total mercury. Gas chromatogram showed that methylmercury was only present in the samples analysed. In samples where methylmercury and other organic mercury are presented, the NAA method is good for the determination of the total organic mercury only.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Science, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia

    S. B. Sarmani & R. B. Hassan

  2. Department of Chemistry, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia

    M. P. Abdullah

  3. Department of Microbiology, University Kebangsaan Malasyia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia

    A. Hamzah

Authors
  1. S. B. Sarmani
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  2. R. B. Hassan
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  3. M. P. Abdullah
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  4. A. Hamzah
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Sarmani, S.B., Hassan, R.B., Abdullah, M.P. et al. Determination of mercury and methylmercury in hair samples by neutron activation. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 216, 25–27 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02034489

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02034489

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