Radiometric Analysis of Hg(II), Ag(I), Cl(I) and SCN(I) Using a Solid Surface as an Analytical Reagent

Abstract

A rapid radioanalytical procedure for the determination of micro concentrations of Hg(II), Ag(I), Cl(I) and SCN(I) ions in an aqueous medium is presented. The displacement of radioactive silver ion from a fixed concentration of the solid silver tetraphenylborate in the presence of mercury ion and the isotopic exchange of the inactive silver with the radioactive silver in the solid surface form the basis for the analysis of Hg(II) and Ag(I) respectively. It has been observed experimentally that 4 μg/ml Hg(II) and 1 μg/ml Ag(I) can be quantitatively analysed without any elaborated experimental conditions. 

The silver exchange reaction has been further used in the indirect radiometric analysis of Cl(I) and SCN(I) anions in solution. In this case inhibition of the isotopic exchange of a known concentration of inactive silver in the presence of an anion of interest is measured. The reactions are sensitive up to 1 μg/ml for both the anions studied.