The Determination of Mercury in Urine—Single Extraction Method

Abstract

Mercury is determined by the mixed color method using dithizone; interfering elements are eliminated by complexing with versene and by pH control. The published ashing techniques have been studied in conjunction with the single extraction method. Careful oxidation of urine with potassium permanganate and sulfuric acid is recommended. The sensitivity of the method is 1 μg. of mercury with an accuracy of 94.2 ± 4.82%. The advantage of this procedure is the speed of analysis, and purification of the reagents is unnecessary.