A water sample is believed to be contaminated with Mercury ions. What methods of

Question

A water sample is believed to be contaminated with Mercury ions. What methods of analysis could you use to determine if the sample is really contaminated? Basically, what exactly would you do to this water sample to have a good idea that Mercury was really present? A water sample is believed to be contaminated with Mercury ions. What methods of analysis could you use to determine if the sample is really contaminated? Basically, what exactly would you do to this water sample to have a good idea that Mercury was really present? A water sample is believed to be contaminated with Mercury ions. What methods of analysis could you use to determine if the sample is really contaminated? Basically, what exactly would you do to this water sample to have a good idea that Mercury was really present?

Explanation / Answer

Analytical techniques for measuring mercury include absorption spectrometry (dithizone colorimetry), neutron activation analysis, and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry.

In absorption spectrometry, dithizone forms a complex with the metal ions and produces a colored organic solution. The color intensity varies with the mercury concentration.

In neutron activation analysis, thermal neutrons in a nuclear reactor are irradiated and gamma radiation from generated 197Hg is measured for comparative quantification with the standard sample. This enables nondestructive analysis in which the sample is analyzed directly without any pre-treatment such as concentration, and it is highly precise and sensitive.

In cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, mercury is converted into elemental mercury vapor, which is introduced into an absorption cell and the absorption measured at 253.7 nm for determination of the quantity.

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