This method describes the collection of airborne particulate mercury in 20mL scintillation vials with polypropylene or Teflon cap liners and the subsequent analysis using a cold vapor-atomic absorption spectrophotometer (CV-AAS). Samples are initially dissolved using concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. A potassium permanganate solution is added to help dissolve the sample matrix. A hydroxylamine hydrochloride solution is then added to reduce the excess potassium permanganate. Finally, stannous chloride is added to an aliquot of the sample to reduce the mercury to the vapor state. This vapor is then driven into an absorption cell of a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer for analysis. The range of the analytical procedure has been determined to be 0.1 to 2 µg mercury.
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| Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation | |
|---|---|
| Holding Time: | None noted in method |
| Preservatives: | None noted in method |
| Required Preps: | Scintillation vials, 20-mL with polypropylene or Teflon cap liners. If possible, submit bulk or wipe samples in these vials. Tin or other metal cap liners should not be used since amalgamation can occur between the metal and mercury. |
| Collection Method: | Grab Sampling |
| Analytical Methodology: | Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (CV-AAS). |
| Documentation: | 
ID-145
|
| Analyte | Formula | CAS Number | Detection Limit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Hg |
7439-97-6 |
0.02 |
µg |
* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.