Microcolumn field sampling and flow injection techniques for mercury speciation.

WEI, Jian. (1993). Microcolumn field sampling and flow injection techniques for mercury speciation. Doctoral, Sheffield Hallam University (United Kingdom)..

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Abstract

Mercury is one of the most toxic heavy metals, and many serious incidents have resulted from mercury poisoning. The methylation of mercury and its amplification by marine life have aggravated this pollution problem. Studies over the last three decades have shown that the toxicity of mercury is related to chemical form. A basic aim of the research has been to devise new methodology for the measurement and speciation of mercury. Key points of the investigation reported were the literature review of methodologies and techniques for mercury speciation and the development of a novel manifold which incorporates microcolumns of sulphydryl cotton which have a relatively high affinity and selectivity for inorganic and / or organomercury, and to utilise a continuous flow procedure for mercury speciation based on flow injection-atomic fluorescence spectrometry. This new and novel system has been used for the determination and speciation of mercury in a variety of water samples. The other column packing materials, eg. xanthate cotton, activated alumina and 8-hydroxy-quiniline were also investigated. A further aspect of element speciation concerns the development of a field sampling technique using sulphydryl cotton columns. Sample collection and preconcentration using microcolumns at the site of sampling was successfully performed. Preliminary experiments indicated that the field sampling technique in combination with FIA-AFS was a robust and potentially useful speciation tool. Field surveys on mercury distribution and speciation in the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Rother have been intensively carried out in collaboration with the National Rivers Authority (North West Region). The analytical data on different mercury species in waters of the Manchester Ship Canal are reported for the first time. A high correlation between organomercury and organolead in the Manchester Ship Canal is found and the related data have been assessed in order to clarify the possible origins for organomercury. Related work concerning participation in interlaboratory studies is reported in the Appendices.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Additional Information: Thesis (Ph.D.)--Sheffield Hallam University (United Kingdom), 1993.
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Sheffield Hallam Doctoral Theses
Depositing User: EPrints Services
Date Deposited: 10 Apr 2018 17:22
Last Modified: 26 Apr 2021 12:36
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/20513

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