This project investigates the molecular electronic spectra of mercury compounds suspected to be present in coal fired power plant flue gas. These compounds include mercuric chloride, dimethyl mercury, and monomethyl mercuric salts (methyl mercury). Methyl mercury is particularly important because of its toxicity and propensity for bioaccumulation. Prior chemical methods indicated its presence in flue gas, but are known to be unreliable. This project seeks a reliable direct spectroscopic method of performing methyl mercury determinations in flue gases. The Phase I research emphasizes steady-state luminescence. In general, luminescence-based quantitation methods can be more sensitive than light absorption alone. In addition, time resolved methods can yield determinations even in the presence of interferences from compounds with overlapping spectra. The elegant time resolved methods cannot be used, however, unless the target compounds actually luminesce and the steady state luminescence is characterized. This characterization is the goal of this Phase I research. The results will indicate the feasibility of luminescence-based detection, and will set the stage for research and development to apply time resolved methods. Anticipated Results /Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee:Potential commercial applications of anticipated results include mercury monitoring systems. In particular, a turn key system is targeted that will implement luminescence based quantitation of methyl mercury in flue gas. This system is intended to provide results in field conditions, and in near real time.
