8.1 See the introductory material to Chapter Three, "Inorganic Analytes."
8.2 All sample containers must be prewashed with detergents, acids, and reagent
water. Glass, plastic, and polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) containers are suitable in most cases. Polymers are not suitable for samples containing metallic mercury.
8.3 Metallic mercury, some inorganic mercury compounds, and many organic mercury compounds are volatile and unstable. It is advantageous to analyze the samples as soon as possible to determine the total mercury in the sample but in no case exceed the 28-day limit as defined in Chapter Three of this manual. Non-aqueous samples must be analyzed as soon as possible. If solid samples are not analyzed immediately, refrigeration is necessary.