Determination of mercury in human urine by neutron activation analysis,with lead diethyldithiocarbamate as a preconcentration agent

Lead diethyldithiocarbamate is an effective reagent for preconcentration of mercury in urine for neutron activation analysis. Sodium and bromine are removed from the sample by this procedure. As lead diethyldithiocarbamate is insensitive to neutron activation, radiochemical separation is not needed after neutron irradiation. Results from the analysis of urine collected from workers in caustic soda manufacturing plants are discussed.