Bismuth; Mercury - Agilent Technologies VGA 77 User Manual

Analytical Notes

Bismuth

The presence of potassium iodide will severely suppress the
analytical response. Always ensure that the VGA 77 system is
completely free of potassium iodide before performing bismuth
determinations.
To avoid contamination, it is recommended that you dedicate a separate module
NOTE
to the analysis of those elements requiring pre-reduction with KI—As and Sb.
Prepare samples in 1 M hydrochloric acid.
Reductant container:
Acid container:

Mercury

Traces of potassium iodide will interfere severely with the
production of mercury vapor and the analytical response may be
completely suppressed. Always ensure that the VGA 77 system is
completely free of potassium iodide before performing mercury
determinations.
To avoid contamination, it is recommended that you dedicate a separate module
NOTE
to the analysis of those elements requiring pre-reduction with KI—As and Sb.
The mercury in the sample must be in the inorganic form, otherwise
digestion or use of releasing agents (e.g. CdCl
If digestion is necessary, use acid digestion, or ashing with an
appropriate ashing aid. Simple dry ashing is not recommended as the
mercury will be lost.
64
NaBH
NaOH 0.5% w/v
5 M HCl (Higher acid concentrations
will depress the analytical signal.)
Agilent Vapor Generation Accessory VGA 77 and VGA 77P User's Guide
0.6% w/v
4
), will be necessary.
2