Determination of mercury in sludge and materials used for Hg-eliminations from industrial waste waters by Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry after matrix modification with potassium bromide and bromine

Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine mercury in sludge and materials (metallic iron powder, activated carbon and ion exchangers) used for mercury eliminations from industrial waste waters and, after matrix modification by adding a mixture of nitric acid, potassium bromide and bromine, in urine and waste waters. The suitability of using this mixture is discussed. Samples were also analysed by the cold vapour method after wet oxidation of samples in closed teflon vessels . The two analytical methods are compared.