Measurement of volatilized mercury by a mini-system: a simple, reliable and reproducible technique

Abstract

A simple and easy new technique for volatilized mercury determination in biological systems was developed. This technique is fast and sensitive and can overcome the problems that arise due to the extremely low readings during the measurements and reproducibility in biological material (bacteria). It measures directly the volatilized metallic mercury of bacteria by means of a chemical adsorbent in a coupled mini-system, as a modified technique for mercury in air analysis. It is potentially of interest to the bioremediation and bacterial mercury resistance communities