Intercomparison of alkyllead compound determination in mussels and water by two analytical techniques: Gas chromatography atomic absorption spectrometry and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry

Methods for the determination of tetraalkyllead (TAL) and ionic alkyllead (IAL) compounds in mussel tissues are described with each step in the procedures critically evaluated. It was established that digestion of mussel tissue with tetramethylammonium hydroxide should be performed at room temperature to avoid decomposition of some alkylleads, that TAL and IAL compounds should be extracted and determined separately, and that for extraction into hexane and re-extraction into acid aqueous solution, a double extraction must be used. Cleaning of extracts through a silica column is recommended before gas chromatography atomic absorption spectrometry (GC AAS) measurement. Determination of IAL compounds in environmental samples (mussel tissue and various kinds of natural waters) by two independent analytical techniques (GC AAS and DP ASV — differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry) is compared.