New analytical methods for quantification of Hg species in soft water using HPLC-ICP-MS technique

Mercury is a highly toxic element with negative effects on the environment and human health due to its bio accumulative properties. Although ecological impact assessment and health risk evaluations typically consider only the total Hg content, it is crucial to distinguish between the highly toxic alkylated mercury compounds (primarily methylmercury, MeHg) and the less toxic inorganic forms of mercury.

The total mercury content is used to assess ecological impact and health risk. It is very important to distinguish between the toxic forms of alkylated compounds (mainly methyl-Hg) and the less toxic forms, such as the inorganic forms of Hg. Once formed, methyl-Hg bioaccumulates in the aquatic food chain (with bioaccumulation factors up to 10^6), leading to an increase in exposure levels and thus resulting in a high toxicity risk. The organic forms of mercury include: methyl-Hg (MeHg), ethyl-Hg (EtHg), dimethyl-Hg (Me2Hg), and phenylmercury (PhHg).