GC-ECD Determination of Methylmercury in Sediment Samples Using a SPB-608 Capillary Column after Alkaline Digestion

Abstract The determination of methylmercury in sediment by gas chromatography with electron capture detector is proposed. Performance of a 0.53 μm i.d. capillary column SPB-608 has been evaluated. A procedure of extraction of methylmercury from sediment, based on an alkaline digestion (KOH/CH 3 OH) in ultrasonic bath followed by organic solvent extraction and cleanup step, has been optimized. Various alkaline and acid treatments as well as different digestion times have been tested. The performance of the method has been tested by participating in intercomparison and certification exercises for methylmercury in sediment organized by the Standards, Measurements, and Testing Programme of the European Union and by using an International Atomic Energy Agency certified reference sediment for methylmercury.