MSFIA system for mercury determination by cold vapour technique with atomic fluorescence detection

Abstract A new multisyringe flow injection analysis system for mercury determination using cold vapour technique assembling with atomic fluorescence spectrometry is proposed. The system consists of a multisyringe module as liquid driver, a gas–liquid separator, a gas dryer device and an atomic fluorescence detector. As reducing agent, 1% tin chloride solution is used. Standard solutions and carrier are prepared in 1% hydrochloric acid. An argon stream is employed as carrier gas for cold vapour technique. The development of the smart analytical system is feasible due to the four internal gains of the atomic detector and the versatility of software used. According to the signal obtained, the software is able to choose the most suitable internal gain for sample analysis. Four linear calibration curves (i.e. one for each internal gain) were obtained. The smart system developed allows to determine a wide concentration range from 120 to 0.006 μg L −1  Hg. The detection limit (3 σ / S ) achieved is 0.002 μg L −1 . The relative standard deviation is inferior to 2% for each calibration curve. This system was validated by means of a solid reference material and it was applied to environmental samples successfully.