Trace Analysis for Mercury in Biological Material

Abstract

<p>The need for accurate trace analysis for mercury due to its very toxic nature and widespread distribution is discussed. Critical investigations of the two currently most widely used analytical techniques, neutron activation analysis and cold vapour atomic absorption, are reported in detail. Many problems with the methods of analysis for mercury are delineated, and improvement are outlined. Procedures for obtaining best results are recommended. An instrumental improvement involving a photon-counting readout for the atomic absorption method is reported. A comparison of the analytical techniques is given.</p>