Mercury speciation analysis is a process that separates and independently measures different forms of mercury in a sample. Whereas total mercury analysis (HgT) measures all forms
as one lump sum, mercury speciation analysis yields data for each of the biologically available forms of mercury in a sample. The most common forms being methylmercury and inorganic mercury.

In most sample types (excluding sediments), the sum of Quicksilver’s inorganic mercury and methylmercury data yields total mercury measured by other methods. See the data summary here.

Quality Controls

Quicksilver Scientific methods allow for superb quality control results. In fact, Quicksilver is so confident in its methods, the Quicksilver laboratory adheres to much more strict quality control acceptance criteria than those found in comparable EPA methods.

Comparing the QC Acceptance Criteria of the Quicksivler Method to EPA Methods¹

^{1: All percentages represent the Relative Percent Difference between the anticipated and measured value.}

^{2: The LOD is the lowest detectable mercury based on blank analysis and method sensitivity. Values for EPA methods represent a similar and comparable quantity, ML (minimum level of quantitation), which also reflects
the lowest amount of mercury detectable given a specific method.}

Applicable Matrices

Quicksilver Scientific utilizes breakthrough technology that employs liquid chromatography, specific leaching ligands, and solid-phase extraction technologies that can accommodate any sample type.

Samples Routinely Analyzed at Quicksilver