Methyl mercury acetate removal from waters by chromatography on chelating polymers

Chitin, chitosan and Dowex A 1 chelating polymers powders, 100 to 200 mesh, were used in column chromatography to remove methyl mercury acetate from various waters, including sea water and a dilute acetic acid - acetaldehyde solution. Methyl mercury acetate was labeled with²⁰³Hg and chromatography was followed by γ-ray spectrometry. Results show that chitosan and Dowex A 1 are particularly effective in collecting Hg, even though the metalorganic compounds are not fixed so strongly as the simple ions. Elution can be performed with hot water. A good volume reduction factor can be obtained and the results might be applied in Hg pollution prevention.