The volatility of mercury (Hg) at room temperature precludes the use of conventional flame, graphite furnace, or inductively couple atomic absorption spectroscopy for routine analysis of Hg in most research laboratories. This study explored the potential utility of molecular spectroscopy including, a Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), UV-visible, and fluorescence spectroscopy in conjunction with multivariate regression analysis for the determination of Hg(II) concentrations in human serum albumin (HSA) samples. The result of FTIR indicated the binding of Hg (II) at HSA amide I and amide II sites.  In general, the binding of Hg(II) with HSA resulted in a decrease in HSA UV-visible absorption and dramatic quenching of HSA fluorescence emissions. The developed multivariate partial-least-square regression model from Hg(II)-HSA fluorescence emission data was able to predict Hg(II) concentration in HSA samples, with root-mean-square-percent-relative-error of prediction of 6.76%. The simplicity, low cost, and robustness of this method makes it a promising and possible alternative method for rapid screening and determination of Hg(II) in biological specimens.

Determination of Mercury (II) ion concentrations in human serum albumin using fluorescence spectroscopy and multivariate regression analysis

244th National Meeting (2012)

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