Speciation analysis of mercury in natural water and fish samples by using capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

► A environment-friendly extraction was developed to extract trace mercury in fish. ► A sensitive method for analysis of Hg(II), MeHg and EtHg by CE-ICP-MS was reported. ► The method has a detection limit of 0.021-0.032 ng Hg/mL for MeHg, EtHg and Hg(II). ► MeHg, EtHg and Hg(II) in fish can be directly detected without any preconcentration.