Optimization of procedures for mercury-203 instrumental neutron activation analysis in human urine

Determination of Ultratrace Levels of Mercury in Biological Samples Using a Single, Multi-Matrix Radiochemical Neutron Activation Analysis Technique

“…The use of plastic enhances the analysis of mercury greatly because it is less expensive than quartz. In contrast to polyethylene, polypropylene becomes brittle during irradiation allowing the test tubes to be more readily crushed, and it is also less susceptible to the absorption of Hg° [7]. However, its applicability may be limited to relatively short irradiation times and cool temperatures.…”

“…The presence of beta particles and radiolysis electrons in the reactor can reduce divalent mercury to elemental mercury. Therefore, standard mercury solutions were prepared by dissolving HgO in 10 M nitric acid as determined by Blotcky et al [7], Mercury standards prepared for activation contained 159 ng Hg in 3.5 ml solution.…”

“…Recently, Blotcky et al [7] evaluated the loss of Hg from stored urine spiked with 203 Hg 2+ and found that after 6 weeks less than 50% of the isotope remained. Methylmercury (MeHg), a naturally occurring organic species of mercury found in many biological samples [6,[8][9][10], also presents analytical difficulties because of its volatility and its resistance to oxidation [11].…”