The use of thermal desorption in the speciation analysis of mercury in soil, sediments and tailings

The thermal desorption of mercury from the solid phase coupled with atomic absorption spectroscopy ( AAS ) is useful and simple method of mercury speciation analysis of the environmental samples. The present work is focused on the mercury desorption use for soil, sediments and tailings study. The extensive experimental material of many authors was summarized in this work with regard to a critical confrontation of approaches used in data interpretation. The main emphasis was put on the most frequently observed forms as Hg 0 , Hg 2+ bound to mineral or organic surfaces, Hg 2+ bound to the most common ligands and HgS. A comprehensive conception of the usage possibilities of this method as suitable analytical tool for speciation analysis was the main aim. This work includes not only the preparation of calibration materials and the description of their desorption behaviour but also summarizes the interpretations of mercury release curves of real samples and becomes an effective tool for their evaluation.