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Direct measurement of trace elemental mercury in hydrocarbon matrices by gas chromatography with ultraviolet photometric detection
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 16:03 authored by Gras, R, Luong, J, Robert ShellieRobert ShellieWe introduce a technique for the direct measurement of elemental mercury in light hydrocarbons such as natural gas. We determined elemental mercury at the parts-per-trillion level with high precision [<3% RSD (n = 20 manual injection)] using gas chromatography with ultraviolet photometric detection (GC-UV) at 254 nm. Our approach requires a small sample volume (1 mL) and does not rely on any form of sample preconcentration. The GC-UV separation employs an inert divinylbenzene porous layer open tubular column set to separate mercury from other components in the sample matrix. We incorporated a 10-port gas-sampling valve in the GC-UV system, which enables automated sampling, as well as back flushing capability to enhance system cleanliness and sample throughput. Total analysis time is <2 min, and the procedure is linear over a range of 2–83 μg/m3 [correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.998] with a measured recovery of >98% over this range.
History
Publication title
Analytical ChemistryVolume
87Issue
22Pagination
11429-11432ISSN
0003-2700Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Amer Chemical SocPlace of publication
1155 16Th St, Nw, Washington, USA, Dc, 20036Rights statement
© 2015 American Chemical SocietyRepository Status
- Restricted