Mercury speciation in environmental samples associated with artisanal small-scale gold mines using a novel solid-phase extraction approach to sample collection and preservation.

ABSTRACT: In artisanal small-scale gold mines (ASGM), mercury (Hg) is known to pollute nearby river waters and sediments where it can be methylated to the highly bioavailable methylmercury (MeHg). The assessment of Hg speciation in water samples has been challenging for many years, with recommended procedures often not adequately allowing for analysis of samples in a suitable timeframe. Using a novel solid-phase extraction (SPE) method for sampling and preservation of Hg species, representative speciation data can be safely and easily collected and retained for up to 4-weeks (MeHg = 115 ± 8% refrigerated and 109 ± 13% unrefrigerated storage; Hg²⁺  = 100 ± 14% refrigerated and 94 ± 12% unrefrigerated storage). Concentrations of MeHg in environmental water samples and drinking water were be

SUBMITTER: King D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11519088 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature