Validation of total mercury in marine sediment and biological samples, using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

A method for the measurement of total mercury (T-Hg) in environmental samples using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CV AAS) has been validated yielding a dynamic range (0.04–10.00 µg/kg) and high certified reference material (CRM) recovery (>90%). The validation was carried out according to International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) validation and Eurachem Guides. A freeze-dried and homogenised sample was weighed and then digested using Suprapur acids (HNO3, H2SO4, and HF) with potassium dichromate solution in a hot block digestion system. A calibration curve was constructed (R2 > 0.999). Two CRMs (Marine Sediment Reference Material (PACS-3) and Trace Elements in Muscle Tissue (Trace Elements and Methylmercury in Mussel Tissue (NIST2976)) were utilised for quality assurance and control. The limit of quantification (LOQ) calculated as 0.04 µg/kg, and uncertainty (U) calculated as 2%. The obtained results showed the suitability of this method for direct mercury measurement in environmental samples. Additionally, the proficiency of this method was recognised by accreditation under the standard of International Organization for Standardization (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) for competence of testing and calibration laboratories.