Project

Bulk and species-specific high-precision isotopic analysis of mercury for unravelling its biogeochemical cycle

Code
01P01817
Duration
01 October 2017 → 31 October 2019
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Analytical chemistry
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Pharmaceutical analysis and quality assurance
Keywords
isotopic biogeochemical cycle
 
Project description

Mercury (Hg) is recognized as one of the most hazardous global pollutants. High-precision Hg isotopic analysis via multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) is a novel and powerful analytical approach permitting (i) a better assessment of the risks of Hg contamination, (ii) an identification of the sources contributing to the Hg present in an environmental compartment, and
(iii) a more profound insight into the chemical processes and pathways of Hg in nature. The main goal of this project is to develop novel analytical methods for total and compound-specific Hg isotopic analysis in different sample types, such as water, sediments and biota. Reliable Hg isotope ratio measurement is challenged by the typically very low analyte concentrations, the different
properties of Hg species, potential analyte losses, species inter-conversion and isotope fractionation throughout the analytical processes. To overcome these issues, attention will be paid to sample collection, off- and on-line pre-concentration and speciation approaches followed by high-precision MC-ICP-MS analysis. Efforts will be done to simplify the typically labor-intensive and
time-consuming procedures and to extend their capabilities via automation and the use of nanomaterials. In addition, other “Hg-related” elements, e.g., S and Se, will also be targeted, with the aim of improving our understanding of the biogeochemical Hg cycle.