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Determination of methylmercury in fish by headspace-gas chromatography with microwave-induced-plasma detection

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Abstract

Some additional experiments checking out the extraction method recently developed for the determination of MeHg in biological samples by Headspace Gas Chromatography with Microwave Induced Plasma atomic emission spectroscopy detection were performed. In this method, the MeHg is cleaved from the biological tissue by H2SO4 and by addition of iodoacetic acid converted to the iodide form. These reaction steps take place in a closed headspace vial. The H2SO4 concentration and the sample matrix have an important influence on the recovery of the MeHg from the sample and these effects are discussed. The method was then applied to the determination of MeHg in cod fish caught in the North Sea. Levels found ranged from 0.13 to 0.63 μg g−1 dw with a mean of 0.33 μg g−1 on the 25 samples analyzed. The total Hg content of these samples was also determined by Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, and all data pooled ranged from 0.19 to 0.90 μg g−1 with a mean of 0.40 μg g−1. A study of the ratio MeHg/total Hg revealed that MeHg always constituted more than 60 % of the total Hg level, with a mean of 83 % on the 25 samples. The percentage MeHg did not increase or decrease markedly when the total Hg content increased. It could be concluded that these North Sea samples are not much contaminated by Hg and are surely suitable for consumption.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Analytical Chemistry, Free University of Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium

    Patrick Lansens, Martine Leermakers & Willy Baeyens

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  1. Patrick Lansens
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  2. Martine Leermakers
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  3. Willy Baeyens
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Lansens, P., Leermakers, M. & Baeyens, W. Determination of methylmercury in fish by headspace-gas chromatography with microwave-induced-plasma detection. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 56, 103–115 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00342265

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