Applicability of adtomic fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy for on-line analysis of mercury in coal combustion and gasification effluents

With the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the on-line monitoring of mercury in effluents from coal combustors and gasifiers is receiving considerable interest. In this study, the applicability of using atomic fluorescence and atomic absorption techniques for on-line monitoring applications is discussed. Laboratory data obtained with two sensitive commercial mercury detectors (one fluorescence and one absorption unit) are presented to demonstrate general instrumental and analytical capabilities. Differences in instrument sensitivity, detection limits, dynamic range, quenching effects, and interferences are discussed