Microwave assisted extraction for mercury speciation analysis

• Published in: Mikrochimica acta (1966) 2011-02, Vol.172 (1-2), p.3-14
• Main Authors: Reyes, Laura Hinojosa, Mar, Jorge Luis Guzmán, Hernández-Ramírez, Aracely, Peralta-Hernández, Juan Manuel, Barbosa, Juan Manuel Alfaro, Kingston, H. M. Skip
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Applied sciences; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Exact sciences and technology; Global environmental pollution; mercury; Mercury species; Method validation; Microengineering; Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE); Nanochemistry; Nanotechnology; Pollution; Review Article; Sample preparation; Speciation analysis
• ISSN: 0026-3672; 1436-5073
• DOI: 10.1007/s00604-010-0473-3

The application of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to the work-up of environmental and biological samples in the study of mercury speciation analysis has increased in recent years and is now increasingly accepted as a standard approach. The review provides a brief theoretical background of microwave heating and the basic principles of microwave energy used for extraction. The advantages and disadvantages of (a) MAE techniques, (b) the influence of the main parameters affecting the extraction, (c) statistical optimization approaches, and (d) strategies for method validation also are highlighted. Recent applications of MAE to mercury species analyses in biological samples, soils, sediments, and crude oil samples are surveyed and critically reviewed. In addition, comparisons of its use with other well-established extraction procedures are discussed. [graphic removed]