VOLTAMMETRIC METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF MERCURY IN DOMESTIC WASTE AND COMPOST

A voltammetric method for the determination of mercury in domestic was te, compost produced from it and in water extracts of these samples is described. The solid samples have been digested with concentrated aci ds and the extracts by UV irradiation. Conditions for the voltammetric determination of mercury with a gold disc electrode in samples of ver y complicated composition have been worked out. To avoid the disturbin g influence of copper a special potential - time program has been appl ied, whereas the disturbing effect of iron has been removed by complex ation of Fe(III) with fluoride ions or by medium exchange. The procedu re proposed suits very well for determination of mercury in the sample s studied. A very low leachability of mercury from compost was found.