The determination of mercury species in environmental and biological samples (Technical report)

Mercury is released into the hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere as a consequence of natural and anthropogenic processes. It is cycled in the environment and undergoes transformations of its chemical forms. Although the number of chemical species encountered in environmental and biological samples is not large, the range of matrices and the toxicological significance of mercury, with a consequent need for ultra-trace determination, have resulted in a considerable analytical literature. Sensitive and selective methods for mercury determination, micro methods for the determination of mercury species, the occurrence of mercury species in the various environmental compartments, and analytical considerations, including the availability of certified reference materials, are reviewed.