Comparison of Different Analytical Techniques for the Determination of Organic Mercury

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Abstract
Methods for the determination of total organic Hg using an extraction + neutron activation analysis, the sum of methyl-Hg + phenyl-Hg using 131I--Cl- exchange and methyl-Hg using 2 different Westoo modifications, were compared. Sample materials were 8 falcon livers, 5 pike livers and 2 pike muscles. Although differences were found between the methods, interaction effects caused by sample inhomogeneity or bad performance of the analytical methods impeded a clear interpretation of the comparison. Total Hg in the samples was determined by neutron activation analysis (NAA) and atomic absorption spectrometry. The accuracy of the total Hg determination using NAA was verified by the analysis of certified reference material. In addition to the other organic Hg determinations phenyl-Hg was determined separately in some samples by an isotope exchange method using 203Hg2+. There was a demand for reference materials certified for at least total organic Hg and methyl-Hg.