Mercury (Hg) Determination
Mercury (Hg) determination is an analysis performed to quantify the amount of mercury in products, environmental samples, or biological materials. Mercury is an extremely toxic heavy metal that tends to bioaccumulate in nature and has serious adverse effects on human health and the environment. In many products such as electronic devices, batteries, paints, and coating materials, the mercury content must be limited. Therefore, under regulations such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), mercury content is restricted and must not exceed the specified limits.
What is Mercury (Hg) and Why is it Harmful?
Mercury is a heavy metal that can be found both in elemental and compound forms in nature. It is used in electronic components, batteries, thermometers, and fluorescent lamps. However, mercury is a toxic element that harms human health and persists in the environment for a long time. It tends to accumulate particularly in the nervous system, kidneys, and liver, posing significant developmental risks especially for children. Due to these harmful effects, mercury is a regulated chemical worldwide.
In Which Areas is Mercury (Hg) Determination Performed?
Mercury determination is conducted in various sectors to ensure health and environmental safety:
- Electronics and RoHS Compliance: Determination of mercury content in electronic devices is mandatory for RoHS compliance. According to the RoHS regulation, the mercury content in electronic products must not exceed 0.1% (1000 ppm).
- Batteries and Lighting Products: Mercury may be used in batteries and fluorescent lamps. The mercury content in these products is restricted and must be analyzed.
- Environmental Samples: Mercury determination in soil, water, and air samples is carried out to assess the level of environmental pollution. Mercury determination helps control environmental contamination.
- Food and Agricultural Products: Mercury levels in fish, seafood, and some agricultural products are analyzed to ensure food safety.
- Industrial Wastes: Mercury determination is performed on wastewater and other wastes from industrial facilities to prevent harmful effects on the environment.
Methods for Mercury (Hg) Determination
Mercury determination is performed using various analytical methods that provide high sensitivity and accurate results. The main methods used include:
Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (CV-AAS)
- The cold vapor technique is an AAS method specifically used for mercury determination. In this method, mercury is separated in its cold vapor form in the sample and its amount is measured.
- CV-AAS is highly sensitive in detecting low mercury concentrations and is preferred for environmental samples.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- ICP-MS is a highly sensitive method that allows for the detection of trace elements at low concentrations.
- Mercury ions are ionized in the plasma, and their quantity is determined by mass spectrometry.
- This method is one of the most preferred for mercury determination in water, food, environmental, and biological samples.
Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (AFS)
- AFS allows for the detection of mercury at very low levels. Mercury is analyzed through its fluorescence effect in this method.
- This method provides highly sensitive mercury determination in environmental samples and biological specimens.
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF)
- XRF allows for rapid detection of mercury and other heavy metals. It is used for surface scanning of samples containing mercury.
- XRF is preferred for preliminary screening analyses for RoHS compliance; however, more sensitive and confirmatory methods like ICP-MS or CV-AAS are used for accurate analysis.
Mercury Determination and Legal Regulations
Mercury is regulated by various legal frameworks due to its harmful effects on the environment and health:
- RoHS Directive (EU): The mercury content in electronic devices must not exceed 0.1%.
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): Limit values for mercury have been established in drinking water, environmental samples, and waste.
- FDA (Food and Drug Administration): Limits on mercury content are set for food products, particularly in fish and seafood.
- Minamata Convention: This is a global environmental treaty aimed at limiting the use of mercury. Many products and processes that involve mercury are restricted under this convention.
MassLab’s Mercury (Hg) Determination Services
At MassLab, our mercury determination services accurately analyze the presence of mercury in your products. Our laboratories, equipped with modern instruments and staffed by experts, offer highly precise analyses for RoHS compliance, environmental health, and food safety. Our mercury determination service helps demonstrate that your products meet legal standards and health safety requirements.
For detailed information about MassLab’s mercury determination services or to request an analysis, please contact us. We help ensure that your products comply with global standards through reliable analysis results.
