[X8xScoutx8X]

Hi there,

I'm doing an investigation into the behavior between Mercuric Oxide and soil. I really need a way to determine, in a sample of water in which water has been run through Mercuric Oxide, whether or not any has remained within the sample. Whether this be through changing pH levels, or a simple test with reactions, I really need some advice. I have an entire chemistry lab worth of resources, so any help would be gladly appreciated.

[Hunter2]

What about AAS or ICP.

[Corribus]

Mercury can be tricky to analyze quantitatively with ICP-MS because it adsorbs to surfaces and volatilizes easily. It also has a wide distribution of isotopes. Not impossible to do, but sometimes you have to employ some tricks to prevent memory effects. There are instruments available designed specifically to quantify mercury levels.

May want to check out this app note from Agilent.  I know you're not doing foods probably but the principles are the same:

https://www.chem.agilent.com/Library/applications/5989-0027EN.pdf

Here's a link to Perkin Elmer's Mercury Analysis equipment, as an example:

http://www.perkinelmer.com/Catalog/Category/ID/Mercury%20Analysis%20Systems