NOAA NST: 131.00: Trace mercury in marine sediments by CVAA
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Official Method Name
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Cold vapor atomic absorption analysis of marine sediments for trace metals. |
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Current Revision
| March 1998 |
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Media
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SOILS/SEDIMENT |
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Instrumentation
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Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption |
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Method Subcategory
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Inorganic |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Sampling and Analytical Methods of the National Status and Trends Program Mussel Watch Project: 1993-1996 Update. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS ORCA 130. March 1998. Silver Spring, MD. 233pp. |
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Brief Method Summary
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Sample preparation and analysis methods have been developed and refined that allow the accurate and precise determination of major and trace elements in sediment samples. Sample preparation emphasizes homogenization and total digestion steps that minimize contamination. Analysis utilizes atomic absorption techniques, and includes a full suite of quality assurance samples (with an emphasis on certified reference materials) in order to produce reliable data. These methods allow measurement of both background and elevated concentrations within NOAA's Status and Trends Program, permitting subtle temporal and spatial differences to be detected. |
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Scope and Application
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This method measures trace mercury at ug / g concentrations in marine sediments. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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0.2 - 3.0 |
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Interferences
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Spectral interferences may be minimized by sample dilution, use of an alternate analyte wavelength, or selective volatilization of the analyte. Non-spectral interferences may be detected and compensated for using the method of standard additions. |
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Quality Control Requirements
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The quality assurance / quality control requirements are initial calibration and continuing calibration checks, method blank analysis, surrogate compound analysis, matrix spike analysis, and reference sample analysis. |
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Sample Handling
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Sediments are obtained with a grab sampler that collects the top 2 cm of surface sediment. Sample aliquots are weighed, freeze-dried for approximately 5 days to constant weight in 125-mL polystyrene Spex jars in a freeze dryer, and reweighed to determine percent dry weight. Approximately 3 g are ground for 5 min using a Spex ceramic ball mill. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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6 months (frozen) |
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Relative Cost
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$201 to $400 |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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NOAA TM #130 |
