Chris Shade PhD of Quicksilver Scientific explains mercury speciation testing

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Mercury speciation analysis is the analytical process of separating and measuring different types of mercury in a sample. Quicksilver mercury speciation analysis can determine the following types of mercury:

  • inorganic mercury (HgII)
  • methylmercury (MeHg)
  • total mercury (HgII + MeHg)
  • ethylmercury (expanded speciation analysis only)
  • other forms (dimethylmercury, propylmercury, etc.)

Mercury speciation analysis is a process that separates and independently measures different forms of mercury in a sample. Whereas total mercury analysis (HgT) measures all forms as one lump sum, mercury speciation analysis yields data for each of the biologically available forms of mercury in a sample. The most common forms being methylmercury and inorganic mercury. In most sample types (excluding sediments), the sum of Quicksilver’s inorganic mercury and methylmercury data yields total mercury measured by other methods. See the data summary here.

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Chris Shade PhD of Quicksilver Scientific
explains mercury speciation testing.

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1 Comment

  1. smachin@cox.net'
    Susan

    Then, what about plastics? How do we know that they are a problem for whales and not even mention that they are a problem for people. People should have more exposure than whales. What should be used for dental fillings? Why can’t we use metals that are safe?

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