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Determination of trace mercury in geological samples by direct slurry sampling cold vapor generation atomic absorption spectrometry

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Abstract.

A new method based on ultrasonic slurry sampling atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was established for the determination of trace mercury in geological samples by use of recently developed mercury cold vapor generation using formic acid under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The generated mercury cold vapor was rapidly separated from the matrix and swept into a T-tube for the measurement of atomic absorbance. Under the optimal experimental conditions, up to 1000-fold of Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cr(VI), Mn(II), Fe(III), and Zn(II) caused no significant interference with the determination of 50 µg L−1 Hg. The limit of detection at sub-ppb level was obtained for mercury. The method was applied to the determination of mercury in geological samples with satisfactory results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

    Yingying Su, Kailai Xu, Ying Gao & Xiandeng Hou

  2. Analytical and Testing Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

    Xiandeng Hou

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  1. Yingying Su
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  2. Kailai Xu
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  3. Ying Gao
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  4. Xiandeng Hou
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Correspondence to Xiandeng Hou.

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Correspondence: Xiandeng Hou, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China

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Su, Y., Xu, K., Gao, Y. et al. Determination of trace mercury in geological samples by direct slurry sampling cold vapor generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Microchim Acta 160, 191–195 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-007-0805-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-007-0805-0

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