Rapid separation of elemental species by multicapillary GC

Multicapillary gas chromatography has been applied to the speciation of organomercury compounds. Basic investigation of the fundamental properties of multicapillary columns, to evaluate their potential and limitations as a rapid separation unit, are presented. For analysis of methylated and ethylated mercury compounds a complete separation can be performed within 45 s under isothermal conditions. The adaptation of the technique for use with a purge and trap system and with an element-selective plasma-emission detector results in a compact and effective system for mercury speciation. Results from analysis of certified reference materials were in good agreement with certified values within the significance levels.