The present invention provides quantification for various mercury species including compounds such as HgBr2, HgO, Hg(OH)2, HgCl2 in gas phase and condensed phases (air, aerosols, clouds, and water). It can also be applied to metals other than mercury.

Analytical equipment for environmental or research purposes.

Mercury is the top-identified contaminant in the environment and has been identified as a toxic agent by international advisory boards. Once emitted, mercury may be deposited by wet and dry processes to environmental surfaces. Mercury does not break down in the environment and can build up in living things. Therefore, knowledge of the different forms or speciation of atmospheric mercury is crucial for predicting its deposition and understanding its biogeochemical cycling. Current techniques provide information on elemental analysis and the chemical composition of the mercury species cannot be determined in detail. Mercury speciation measurement is one of the most important challenges of mercury characterization and remediation protocols.

Routine speciation of trace metals.

The North American market for analytical instrumentation in environmental testing in 2006 was $292M and is expected to grow to $397M by 2013. Despite over 20 years of emphasis by governments on the need for mercury chemical speciation and several attempts by various companies, there is presently no commercial technique to perform mercury chermical speciation on a routine basis by an end-user. While analytical techniques for trace metals speciation have been around for over a decade, few laboratories possess the expertise to apply these techniques for various commercial applications. As demand for more accuracy in information grows, so will the need for trace metals speciation. Many governments have recently instituted ambient air monitoring programs in response to concerns about mercury.