Determination of mercury content in bleaches sold in southeastern Brazil

Authors

  • Odair Zenebon Instituto Adolfo Lutz; Seção de Equipamentos Especializados
  • Franca Durante de Maio Instituto Adolfo Lutz; Seção de Equipamentos Especializados
  • Alice M. Sakuma Instituto Adolfo Lutz; Seção de Equipamentos Especializados
  • Eliani Rosa Instituto Adolfo Lutz; Seção de Equipamentos Especializados

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89101994000200006

Keywords:

Mercury^i2^sanaly, Spectrophotometry, atomic absorption, Disinfectants^i2^sanaly

Abstract

In order to determine the mercury content present as a contaminant in samples of bleach used in water and food disinfection, a method for sample treatment using chloridric acid to eliminate the chlorine was proposed. The technique of cold vapour atomic absorption spectrophotometry, used to quantify the mercury, showed a recovery of 103%. Sixty nine samples of bleach were analysed and the values found for the median and 90th percentil were respectively, 15 and 67 mg/L. According to the values of residual mercury found and using the quantities of bleach recommended by the Brazilian Sanitary Authorities, the use of these disinfectants offers no risk to human health.

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Published

1994-04-01

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 2 (1994)

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Zenebon, O., Maio, F. D. de, Sakuma, A. M., & Rosa, E. (1994). Determination of mercury content in bleaches sold in southeastern Brazil . Revista De Saúde Pública, 28(2), 127-130. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89101994000200006