Determination of Trace Mercury in Waste Water by Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry

Objective To develop a method for the determination of trace mercury in waste water by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Methods The mercury vapor was generated with the hydride generation agent potassium tetrahydroborate (KBH4) in hydrochloric acid. The optimum working conditions of the instrument were studied, including flow rate of carrier gas, concentration of potassium tetrahydroborate solution and acidity of sample solution. Results Under the optimum condition, the linear range of determination was 0-20 ng/ml, the detection limit was 0.04 ng/ml, the relative standard deviation was 1.9% (n=11) for 5 ng/ml Hg, the recovery rate was in the range of 96%-104%. Conclusion This method is applicable to the determination of mercury in the waste water.