The automatic Hg analyser eliminates the sample preparation phase. With this instrument, it is no longer necessary to mineralise the sample beforehand, but it can be analysed directly as is, for a wide range of matrices (soils, sediments, plants, animal tissues, hair, etc.). The DMA-80 is based on atomic absorption spectrophotometry and is equipped with a double cell with a sensitivity range of 0.005 to 1200 ng. In other words, it is possible to analyse solid samples in which the Hg concentration varies from ppb to ppm, without any need for dilution. The instrument operates in full compliance with US-EPA method 7473 and combines several steps: thermal decomposition of the sample, catalytic conversion leading to Hg reduction, formation of Hg0 vapour amalgam with gold, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
