Selective extraction of mercury(II) from water samples using mercapto functionalised-MCM-41 and regeneration of the sorbent using microwave digestion

► Reporting a new method that allows extraction and preconcentration of Hg without disruption of functional agent on surface of the silica. ► Successful reuse of adsobent for multiple extractions. ► A material with larger pores to encapsulate a larger number of mercapt-groups on the surface. ► Higher adsorption capacities than previously reported.