We need to measure Mercury (Hg) in water and other environmental samples using ICP MS. Some literature suggest to add gold solution as a stabilizing agent into the samples and standards. If gold is added, what could be the ideal concentration? Is there any other chemicals which could replace gold in this analysis?
We are using Thermo i Cap Q ICPMS
Mercury in water can be estimated by ICP-MS and procedure is well described in published literatures.
Measurement of mercury is possible with ICP. Samples (all type) should be acid digested and analysed. Even with AAS, it can be analysed if hybrid generator is there. I would suggest you to analyze the samples with AAS Graphite furnace if the concentration is low in the samples.
Mercury analysis is possible with ICPMS for environmental samples well. However, as mentioned by Mr.Sanjay kumar, AAS is also possible with both graphite furnace as well as VGA mode in the flame mode if the concentration is found less in the samples. We have used in the above method for seawater samples. However, pls check if gold is added how could quantify the elements of your interest including mercury in the nevironmental samples.
Of course Hg, as other heavy metals, can de measured by ICP-MS method. However, i've only analyzed Hg by cold vapor generation coupled to AAS in the lab. There are many published works detecting Hg in water by ICP-MS.
In reference to the concentration of Au by ICP-MS method, maybe this can help you:
http://www.inorganicventures.com/common-problems-hg-au-si-os-and-na
htt://www.inorganicventures.com/element/gold
http://www.inorganicventures.com/common-problems-hg-au-si-os-and-na
I believe ICP MS is ideal to determine Hg. However, check the concentration ranges. If they are relatively low, go for AAS. ICP MS is a costly preposition.
For low xconcentrations I prefer de cold vapor method ,Less interferences and cheaper.
Depending of the mercury content , the method should be selected, as for low Hg content cold vapor generation coupled to AAS is better , but " ICP" is more expensive method for this kind of analysis.
Another alternative, you can use an instrument known as FIMS (Flow Injection Mercury System).
Direct analysis can be done either via cold vapor AAS or mercury analyzer. Other alternatives are also possible such as adding gold solution.
If you are using ICP-MS to determine and since Mercury has seven stable isotopes ( 196Hg, 198Hg, 199Hg, 200Hg, 201Hg, 202Hg, and 204Hg), which element are you going to use as an internal solution?
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