AAS of mercury in prescence of cobalt

[Taryn]

Just wondering how to analyse mercury in the presence of cobalt by atomic absorption analysis given that both elements emit and absorb radiation at 235.65nm.
I know that mercury isj examined using cold vapour atomic absorbtion analysis... but knowing this still doesn't help?

Any hints would be appreciated
cheers!

 

[chemisttree]

Just wondering how to analyse mercury in the presence of cobalt by atomic absorption analysis given that both elements emit and absorb radiation at 235.65nm.
I know that mercury isj examined using cold vapour atomic absorbtion analysis... but knowing this still doesn't help?

Cold vapour AAS is a method in which mercury is reduced in the sample to elemental mercury which has a fairly high vapor pressure. What do you suppose the vapor pressure of zero valent cobalt might be?

 

[Blueshift5]

To analyze mercury in the presence of cobalt using atomic absorption analysis, you will need to use a technique called "sequential determination." This involves analyzing the sample first for cobalt, and then analyzing the remaining sample for mercury.

First, you will need to adjust the instrument's settings to detect cobalt at 235.65nm. This will allow you to quantify the amount of cobalt present in the sample.

Next, you will need to add a reducing agent, such as stannous chloride, to the sample. This will convert any mercury present into elemental mercury, which can then be detected using cold vapor atomic absorption analysis.

Once the cobalt analysis is complete, you can then adjust the instrument's settings to detect mercury at 235.65nm and analyze the remaining sample for mercury.

It is important to note that the presence of cobalt may interfere with the analysis of mercury, so it is important to properly calibrate the instrument and perform any necessary blank corrections.

I hope this helps guide you in your analysis. If you need further assistance, I recommend consulting a laboratory manual or reaching out to a colleague with experience in atomic absorption analysis. Best of luck with your research!