Analysis of organomercurials in environmental and biological samples by capillary column gas chromatography with atomic fluorescence detection

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Chemistry

First Advisor's Name

Rudolf Jaffe

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Ronald D. Jones

Third Advisor's Name

William J. Cooper

Fourth Advisor's Name

Kenneth G. Furton

Date of Defense

12-5-1994

Abstract

The general method for determining organomercurials in environmental and biological samples is gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). However, tedious sample work up protocols and poor chromatographic response show the need for the development of new methods. Here, Atomic Fluorescence-based methods are described, free from these deficiencies. The organomercurials in soil, sediment and tissue samples are first released from the matrices with acidic KBr and cupric ions and extracted into dichloromethane. The initial extracts are subjected to thiosulfate clean up and the organomercury species are isolated as their chloride derivatives by cupric chloride and subsequent extraction into a small volume of dichloromethane. In water samples the organomercurials are pre-concentrated using a sulfhydryl cotton fiber adsorbent, followed by elution with acidic KBr and CuSO 4 and extraction into dichloromethane. Analysis of the organomercurials is accomplished by capillary column chromatography with atomic fluorescence detection.

Identifier

FI13101592

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