Preconcentration speciation method for mercury compounds in water samples using solid phase extraction followed by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography

A simple and rapid method for in situ preconcentration of inorganic and org anic mercury compounds in water samples, based on solid phase extraction us ing dithizone immobilised on a reversed-phase C18 cartridge, has been devel oped. The adsorbed complexes were stable on the cartridge for at least 2 we eks. The speciation analysis of methylmercury (MeHg), phenylmercury (PhHg) and inorganic mercury (Hg (II)) were done by reversed-phase high performanc e liquid chromatography. The calibration graphs of MeHg, PhHg and Hg (II) w ere linear (r > 0.999) from the detection limits (0.58, 0.66 and 0.54 ng) t o 38, 25 and 26 ng of Hg, respectively. The average recoveries of MeHg, PhH g and Hg (II) from spiked samples (0.3-48.0 mu g l(-1) Hg) were 98 +/- 3, 9 9 +/- 1 and 100 +/- 7%, respectively. By applying SPE procedure a 200-fold concentration of the sample was obtained. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.