In the continuous sample introduction
mode, the detection limit was found to be 0.7 μg L-1, and
repeatability was 1.2% RSD (n ) 11) for a 20 μg L-1
standard. In comparison with other vapor generation
methods, it offers several advantages: First, it is applicable
to both inorganic and organic Hg determination; organic
mercury (thiomersal) can be directly transformed into
volatile Hg species without the need for prior oxidation.
Second, the vapor-generation efficiency is high; the efficiency
(with formic acid as a promoter) is superior to
that of conventional SnCl2-HCl reduction. Third, the
vapor generation is extremely rapid and therefore is easy
to couple with flow injection. The method is sensitive and
simple in operation, requires no auxiliary reagents, and
serves as a useful alternative to conventional vapor
generation for ultra trace Hg determination.