Solid phase extraction of trace amount of mercury from natural waters on silver and gold nanoparticles

- Ag/Au nanoparticle membrane filters were used to extract Hg extraction from natural water.
- The LOD of Hg determination was lower (0.4 ng L−1) than the traditional method of cold vapour generation (200 ng L−1).
- Sample contamination was minimized by thermal desorption of Hg determination.
- Hg collected on nanoparticle membrane filters were kept for at least 5 months without Hg loss.