Quantitative detection of organic mercury in whole blood using derivatization and gas chromatographynegative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry

The Minamata disease, first identified in Japan the 1950s, is caused by severe methylmercury (MeHg) poisoning. To prevent development of this routine evaluation MeHg levels blood samples crucial. purpose research was to explore use derivatization and capillary gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-NCI-MS) for quantitative detection both organic inorganic mercury samples. Alkyl standard solutions extracted as halide salts toluene with hydrohalic acid. Fat contents whole were removed methyl isobutyl ketone hexane using a cysteine/alkaline solution then bromide complex cupper chloride solution. linearity response ratio vs. concentration curves (R2) 0.987 0.990 ethylmercury bromide. over calibration range 0.02 ng/mL 20 ng/mL. recovery (EtHg) 67.1% 49.3%, respectively. concentrations determined GC an electron capture detector agreed those GC-NCI-MS, correlation coefficient 0.923. mean certified reference material (NMIJ CRM 7402-a) GC-NCI-MS 0.64 μg/g, comparable value 0.58 μg/g. Our study demonstrates simple low-cost approach analyzing biological samples, although further optimization required given relatively low concern about toxicity ketone.