Rapid sequential determination of inorganic mercury and methylmercury in natural waters by flow injection-cold vapour-atomic fluorescence spectrometry

A novel method for the rapid sequential determination of inorganic mercury and methylmercury in natural waters at the ng/l. level has been developed. Trace enrichment and separation of mercury species are achieved using a microcolumn of sulphydryl cotton which has a relatively high affinity for methylmercury. The limit of detection for methylmercury based on processing of a 0.5-ml sample volume was 6 ng/l. Application to river waters is demonstrated.