The method verification of total mercury analysis in seafood by using direct mercury analyzer combustion technique

Abstract

       Nowadays, mercury contaminated in food could be analyzed by several techniques. Direct mercury analyzer combustion technique was now in attention. This study aimed to verify of total mercury analysis in seafood by using direct mercury analyzer combustion technique according U.S. EPA. Method 7473 (2007). The analysis was subjected on range and linearity, the limit of detection, the limit of quantitation, accuracy, and precision within single laboratory. The results were shown the linear range from 0.01 to 1.00 mg/kg. The determination coefficient was greater than 0.99, limit of detection was 0.001 mg/kg and limit of quantitation was 0.01 mg/kg related to 96.71 of average percentage recovery. Accuracy test using certified reference materials were found that average test value was not different than reference value significantly at 95% confidence level. The analysis precision in single laboratory was accepted. Thus, this method appropriate to apply in the determination of total mercury in seafood was concentration range of 0.01 to 1.0 mg/kg. However, in comparison this method is faster than other method, because sample preparation procedure was not required and could be chemical reduced, environmentally friendly and safe for human.