Björn Erik, Larsson Tom, Lambertsson Lars, Skyllberg Ulf, Frech Wolfgang
Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Sweden.
Ambio. 2007 Sep;36(6):443-51. doi: 10.1579/0044-7447(2007)36[443:raimsa]2.0.co;2.
This paper discusses some recent advances in spectrometric methods and approaches for mercury speciation analysis of environmental samples with focus on isotope dilution techniques for determination of mercury species' concentrations in gaseous samples and reaction rates in soils and sediments. Such analytical data is important inter alia in fundamental research on mercury biogeochemistry and for risk assessments of mercury-contaminated soils and sediments and for designing effective remedial actions. The paper describes how the use of enriched stable isotope tracers in mercury speciation analysis can improve the traceability and accuracy of results, facilitate rational method developments, and be useful for studying biogeochemical processes, i.e. rate of reactions and fluxes, of mercury species. In particular the possibilities to study and correct for unwanted species transformation reactions during sample treatment and to study "natural" transformations of species in environmental samples, or micro- and mesocosm ecosystems, during incubations are highlighted. Important considerations to generate relevant data in isotope tracer experiments as well as reliability and quality assurance of mercury speciation analysis in general are also discussed.
本文讨论了环境样品汞形态分析光谱方法和技术的一些最新进展，重点关注用于测定气态样品中汞形态浓度以及土壤和沉积物中反应速率的同位素稀释技术。这些分析数据尤其在汞生物地球化学基础研究、汞污染土壤和沉积物的风险评估以及设计有效的修复措施方面具有重要意义。本文描述了在汞形态分析中使用富集稳定同位素示踪剂如何提高结果的可追溯性和准确性，促进合理的方法开发，以及对研究汞形态的生物地球化学过程（即反应速率和通量）有用。特别强调了在样品处理过程中研究和校正不需要的物种转化反应以及在培养过程中研究环境样品或微观和中观生态系统中物种“自然”转化的可能性。还讨论了在同位素示踪实验中生成相关数据的重要考虑因素以及一般汞形态分析的可靠性和质量保证。
