Preconcentration and separation of traces of mercury by reduction of metallic copper and determination by atomic absorption spectrometry without flame]

A micro-column of copper can be used to separate quantitatively as little as 5 ng of mercury from small volumes of solution. For large volumes, e.g. 500 ml, separation depends on the flow rate and on adsorption phenomena; the latter effect can be overcome by addition ofcomplexing agents. The mercury amalgamated on copper is determined directly by non-flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The limit of determination is 1–2 ng. The method is faster and more selective than preconcentration by electrolysis.