Seawater Mercury & Trace Element Analysis Made Reliable with AFS
For many laboratories, Seawater analysis for mercury and hydride-forming elements presents significant analytical challenges due to ultra-trace concentration levels and high total dissolved solids (TDS). Achieving accurate and reliable results requires highly sensitive and selective techniques such as Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (AFS).
Determination of trace elements in seawater is particularly demanding due to several factors:
- Ultra-trace concentrations of mercury (Hg) and hydride-forming elements such as arsenic (As), selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), and tellurium (Te)
- High total dissolved solids (TDS), which can cause matrix interference and instrument instability
- Complex sample matrices, requiring robust and selective analytical techniques
These challenges make it essential to adopt analytical solutions capable of delivering both sensitivity and reliability for tracing metal analysis in seawater.
At Nexus Analytics, we provide advanced Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (AFS) solutions from PS Analytical, including the Millennium Merlin and Excalibur AFS systems.
These systems are specifically designed for demanding environmental applications and offer the performance required to accurately analyse trace elements in complex seawater matrices.
AFS is a proven technique for mercury and hydride element analysis, offering:
- Superior Sensitivity for Ultra-Trace Detection for Detect mercury and hydride elements at extremely low concentrations with high precision.
- Minimal Matrix Interference - AFS offers excellent selectivity, reducing the impact of seawater’s high TDS
- Simplified Workflow -Less complex sample preparation compared to conventional techniques.
- Lower Operating Cost - Reduced gas consumption and maintenance requirements.
- Consistent, Reproducible Results, Reliable performance across coastal and open ocean samples.
AFS vs Conventional Techniques
| Challenge | Conventional Methods (e.g., ICP) | AFS Solution |
| High TDS interference | Significant matrix effects | High selectivity minimizes interference |
| Ultra-trace detection | Limited sensitivity for some elements | Sensitivity for Hg & hydrides |
| Operating cost | Higher | More cost-efficient |
| Workflow complexity | More complex | Simplified |
AFS solutions are validated using certified reference materials for both coastal and open ocean waters, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.
Typical applications include:
- Environmental monitoring of seawater
- Regulatory compliance testing
- Marine and oceanographic research
- Trace metal contamination studies
Backed by over 40 years of expertise from PS Analytical and supported locally by Nexus Analytics, we are committed to helping laboratories achieve accurate, reliable, and efficient seawater analysis.
Whether you're upgrading your current method or solving persistent seawater analysis challenges, contact us NOW!
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