How direct Mercury Analysers can improve throughput of mercury analysis

The analysis of mercury has always been troublesome for chemists due to its high volatility, high abundance in the environment and its varying concentrations from matrix to matrix. Therefore a robust procedure is required to ensure full recovery and reproducibility of this very important element.

The DMA range of direct mercury analysers from Milestone, are helping laboratories to optimise their mercury analysis processes. The DMA-1 is a manual single analysis system that is designed for laboratories with low sample throughput. The DMA-80 is an automatic sample analyser with capacity for 40 samples capable of ppt detection limits, whilst the DMA-WR offers extended range for high sample concentrations up to 300ppm.

The systems do not require any sample preparation prior to analysis thus eliminating the risk of mercury loss and cross contamination. This also means ease of use, low running costs, and no need for handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals. In addition they have the advantage of ‘running on air’ that removes the requirement for in-house or bottled gases.

The analysers allow rapid direct mercury analysis of a wide range of sample types such as soils, waters, foods, fuels, polymers, and inorganic samples such as catalysts. They can analyse both solid and liquid samples in under six minutes per sample, with excellent sensitivity. There is also no need to calibrate the instrument every day as the calibration curve can be stable for up to several months that greatly simplifies routine analyses.

The DMA-1 and DMA-80 have been used to develop the US EPA method 7473. They are also compliant with ASTM D-6722-01 and ASTM D-7623-10.

For more information visit www.analytix.co.uk/mercury-analysis or call 0844 800 4220.