The Preservation and Storage of Urine Samples for the Determination of Mercury

The use of various preservatives and storage containers for the sampling of urine and water samples for mercury analysis was evaluated. The results indicated that glass storage containers were preferred over paper or plastic containers and that potassium persulfate, when added to the sample at the time of collection, would preserve the sample for several days without significant losses. Potassium permanganate was found to he unacceptable for preserving mercury in aqueous solution because of the formation of insoluble manganese dioxide.