Utilization of the Westöö Procedure for the Determination of Methyl Mercury in Fish by Gas-Liquid Chromatography

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Abstract
The procedure developed by Westöö for the determination of (mono) methyl mercury in fish is elucidated. The sample is homogenized with water and acidified with HCl and the methyl mercury chloride is partitioned into benzene. The benzene phase is partitioned with a cysteine solution to provide cleanup. The cysteine is then acidified and methyl mercury chloride is again partitioned into benzene and determined by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography. Results are corrected for incomplete partitioning. Recovery of methyl mercury chloride through the partitioning steps is shown to be reproducible. Westoo’s use of mercuric chloride to verify results is substantiated. The normal limit of detection of the method is 0.08 ppm methyl mercury chloride with provisions for detectirg as little as 0.02 ppm.

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