Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can have serious environmental and health impacts. As a result, it is important to accurately measure the concentration of mercury in various materials, including mineral concentrates. Mercury assay in concentrates typically involves a variety of methods, including chemical digestion, spectrometry, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The choice of method depends on factors such as the concentration of mercury in the sample, the presence of other elements or compounds that may interfere with the analysis, and the desired level of accuracy. Accurate mercury assay is critical for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and for understanding the potential health risks associated with the use and disposal of mercury-containing materials.

There are several methods applied in Xertek to assay mercury in concentrates, each with its own working range and level of sensitivity. Below some common mercury assay methodologies with their corresponding working ranges:

Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (CVAAS): This is a widely used method for mercury analysis, particularly for low to mid-range concentrations. The working range for CVAAS is typically between 0.5-500 ng/g.

Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (CVAFS): This is a highly sensitive method that can detect very low levels of mercury. The working range for CVAFS is typically between 0.001-10 ng/g.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): ICP-MS is a powerful analytical technique that can detect a wide range of elements, including mercury. The working range for ICP-MS is typically between 0.001-1000 ng/g.

The working range for each method can vary depending on the specific instrument, sample preparation method, and other factors. It is important to select the appropriate method and working range based on the specific sample matrix and analytical requirements.