Rapid Determination of Mercury in Seafood in an Introductory Environmental Science Class
Jeanette K. Rice, J. David Jenkins, Citabria Manley, Eric Sorel, and C. Jimmy Smith
Department of Chemistry, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460-8064
Environmental mercury has been a media topic over the past decade, with particular concern over its bioaccumulation in seafood. However routine analysis in the undergraduate laboratory is lacking owing to experimental challenges with traditional methods. Modern instrumentation alleviates these challenges and makes it possible to bring this relevant topic to the undergraduate laboratory, even for nonmajor students. We present the results for mercury content in various seafood samples obtained by students in an entry-level nonmajors chemistry course via direct mercury analysis and demonstrate how this important environmental contaminant can be easily determined in a meaningful laboratory experience.
Supplement
Instructions for the students and notes for the instructor are available.
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