Speciation of trace quantities of mercury using a double Magos determination

Aqueous solutions containing zero-valent and divalent mercury may be analysed using a double-Magos determination. Results are compared with standard methodology incorporating determinations of divalent mercury, by the dithizone technique, and of total mercury. Excellent correlations of Hg2+ concentrations by the two methods were obtained; the scatter in the comparison of Hg0 determinations was interpreted in terms of the substantial error unavoidably present in the standard methodology. The new method represents a significant improvement.