DETERMINATION OF MERCURY CONTENT IN BLEAC HES SOLD IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

In order to determine the mercury content present as a contaminant in samples of bleach used in water and food disinfection, a method for sa mple treatment using chloridric acid to eliminate the chlorine was pro posed. The technique of cold vapour atomic absorption spectrophotometr y, used to quantify the mercury, showed a recovery of 103%. Sixty nine samples of bleach were analysed and the values found for the median a nd 90th percentil were respectively, 15 and 67 mug/L. According to the values of residual mercury found and using the quantities of bleach r ecommended by the Brazilian Sanitary Authorities, the use of these dis infectants offers no risk to human health.