Determination of thimerosal in pharmaceutical industry effluents and river waters by HPLC coupled to atomic fluorescence spectrometry through post-column UV-assisted vapor generation

A chromatographic method for the determination of THM, and its degradation products (EtHg(II) and Hg(II)) is proposed. The proposed methodology involves mercury vapor generation by the post-column reduction using UV-radiation. This approach was applied to the determination of THM, EtHg(II) and Hg(II) in pharmaceutical industry effluents and river waters showing good sensitivity and adequate selectivity. The proposed methodology represents a valuable tool for determination of THM as emerging environmental contaminants.