Teledyne Leeman Labs Blog

Modern copper ores contain less than 0.6% copper, and less than 2% total volume of economic ore minerals (including copper). A majority of the ore is comprised of unwanted rock and gangue minerals (typically silicate minerals or oxide minerals). Separation of ore minerals from gangue minerals entails complicated and labor intensive processes.

When it comes to mercury analysis using Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry there are two main methods to use - USEPA Method 245.7 and The European Norm EN17852 Water Quality - Determination of Mercury - Method using atomic fluorescence spectrometry (ISO 17852:2006).  

We are happy to announce some dynamic changes in our blog content.  Simply put, it was time for a change of philosophy and a fresh start. While our blog has always been a valuable resource for technical information, we recognized an opportunity to expand its subject matter, increase frequency, and ultimately create a more diverse, more useful forum.  After all, we want users like you to benefit from its content, encounter something truly thought provoking, and come away with something valuable. We want you to return for the next post, and above all, we hope we move you to comment and participate in the discussion!

As government, the scientific community, environmentalists, medical professionals and the public at large recognize the persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic nature of mercury, there is increasing demand for better control and monitoring of its release to the environment. 

Analytical techniques for measuring mercury include cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAA), cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CVAF), and direct analysis by thermal decomposition.  Each technique has advantages and disadvantages, I'll review each technique and provide tips for choosing the right one for various situations.

Selecting the right Hg technique really depends on your analytical needs. For some labs, the decision will be driven solely by the need to comply with a specific regulatory method. For example, if your lab is required to analyze samples using EPA Method 245.1, then you will need to use the technique of cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAAS). If you are required to follow specific regulatory methods, you may find the following information helpful.