Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (CV-AFS)

This technique requires that solid samples must be digested to turn it into a solution. The first step is the chemical reduction of the liquid sample carried out with stannous chloride to convert the mercury to its elemental form. The liquid sample and reductant are pumped into a gas liquid separator where a gas is bubbled through the liquid mixture to release the mercury vapor. The amount of mercury in the vapor is detected using atomic fluorescence at a wavelength of 235 nm.