Screening for mercury in aqueous environmental samples and urine samples using thin layer chromatography

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Mercury contamination in water and biological samples poses significant health and environmental risks.
• Accurate and accessible detection methods are crucial for monitoring mercury levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a simple, cost-effective thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method for mercury detection.
• To establish a broad detection range for mercury in aqueous samples and human urine.

Main Methods:

• Utilized thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with silica gel 'G' as the stationary phase and benzene as the mobile phase.
• Employed dithizone complexation for mercury detection, enabling analysis in the presence of other heavy metals.
• Optimized experimental conditions to establish a wide detection range for mercury.

Main Results:

• The developed TLC method successfully detected mercury in aqueous samples and spiked human urine without prior sample digestion.
• Established a broad detection range for mercury from 20 µg/L (20 ppb) to 1000 mg/L (1000 ppm).
• Achieved detection of mercury in urine samples at levels as low as 50 µg/L (50 ppb).

Conclusions:

• The developed TLC method is a simple, economical, and effective tool for screening mercury in various aqueous matrices, including natural water and industrial effluents.
• The method demonstrates no significant matrix interference and does not require sophisticated instrumentation, making it highly accessible.
• This approach offers a practical solution for monitoring mercury contamination in environmental and biological samples.