Abstract
The difficulties associated with the determination of trace mercury in urine were discussed, and a simple and accurate method was devised as follows:
1. Urine was completely digested in sulfuric acid with hydrogen peroxide and a little amount of permanganate in order to prevent the contamination of mercury from oxidants such as nitric acid or excess permanganate.
2. Mercury dithizonate was formed under the acidity with sulfuric acid between 3.2N and 4.3N preventing the disturbing effect of copper on the extraction of mercury.
3. Excess of dithizone was extracted off from organic phase with 9N ammonium hydroxide solution according to Natelson.
4. The final yellowish orange color of mercury dithizonate in carbon tetrachloride was measured with the spectrophotometer at 490μm.
