The precise quantification of mercury (Hg) stable isotope compositions in low concentration or dilute samples poses analytical challenges due to Hg mass limitations. Common Hg pre-concentration procedures require extended processing times, making rapid Hg stable isotope measurements challenging. Here we present a modified pre-concentration method that combines commonly used Hg reduction and gold trap amalgamation followed by semi-rapid thermal desorption (less than 1 h) and chemical trapping. This custom designed system was demonstrated to perform adequately on multiple trapping matrices including a new bromine monochloride (BrCl) wet oxidant trap (40% 3HNO3:BrCl), capable of trapping consistently in 2 mL volume over a wide range of Hg masses (5–200 ng). The procedure was also shown to work effectively on natural matrices, waters and sediments, producing comparable isotope results to the direct digestion analyses. Here, we present a method that can effectively triple sample throughput in comparison to traditional procedures, and also access lower concentration matrices without compromising the accuracy or precision of Hg isotope measurements.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2019 |
---|---|
Title | Rapid pre-concentration of mercury in solids and water for isotopic analysis |
DOI | 10.1016/j.aca.2018.12.026 |
Authors | Sarah E. Janssen, Ryan F. Lepak, Michael T. Tate, Jacob M. Ogorek, John F. DeWild, Christopher L. Babiarz, James P. Hurley, David P. Krabbenhoft |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Analytica Chimica Acta |
Index ID | 70202095 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Upper Midwest Water Science Center |
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Sarah E Janssen
Research Chemist
Mercury Research Laboratory Team Lead
Jacob M Ogorek
Biologist
Mercury Research Laboratory Manager
John F DeWild (Former Employee)
Hydrologic Technician
David P Krabbenhoft
Scientist Emeritus
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Sarah E Janssen
Research ChemistMercury Research Laboratory Team LeadEmailPhoneJacob M Ogorek
BiologistMercury Research Laboratory ManagerEmailPhoneJohn F DeWild (Former Employee)
Hydrologic TechnicianDavid P Krabbenhoft
Scientist EmeritusEmailPhone