Determination of methyl- and ethylmercury compounds using gas chromatography atomic fluorescence spectrometry following aqueous derivatization with sodium tetraphenylborate

An analytical procedure is described for the determination of methylmercury and ethylmercury compounds in fish and sediment samples using gas chromato graphy atomic fluorescence spectrometry following aqueous phenylation with sodium tetraphenylborate. The derivatization products were identified by ga s chromatography mass spectrometry. The advantages of using phenylation wit h sodium tetraphenylborate over ethylation with sodium tetraethylborate are discussed. The validation of the analytical procedure was performed by ana lyzing standard reference material (DORM-2). Applications for the analysis of fish and sediment samples were carried out and compared to other techniq ues.