DOCSLIB.ORG

Note on the Preparation of Sodium Amalgam in the Form of Pellets H

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Note on the Preparation of Sodium Amalgam in the Form of Pellets H JOURNAL OF RESEARCH of the National Bureau of Standards-A. Physics and Chemistry Vol. 64A, No. 1, January-February 1960 r >' Note on the Preparation of Sodium Amalgam in the Form of Pellets H. S. Isbell, H. L. Frush, and N. B. Holt (Augu t 26, 1959) ;:;I ~\. procedure is described for the preparation of sodium amalgam in the form of pellets. In connection with the development of m ethods in a hydrocarbon solvent, such as heptane or Loluene, for the synthesis of radioactive carbohydrates/ a quickly blotted dry, and dropped through the neck procedure and apparatus were previously described of the Hask into the mercUl'Y; the stopper is immedi­ ~ [1,2,3]2 for the I'cducLion of sClll.imicro qUUlltitics of ately replaced. The sodium reacts quicldy with the aldonic lactones to sugars. The method employs mercury and may be added fairly rapidly because of sodium amalgam together with a sligh tly soluble, the atomosphere of nitrogen. After the addition of acid salt (sodium binoxalate) as bufIer.3 The the sodium is completed , the Hask is heated with a ! amalgam is used in the form of pellets made by dropping the molten amalgam into a "sho t tower" of oil. Because other 'workers have had difficulty in ..l, making these pellets, the procedurc is now givcn in detail . The amalgam is preparrd in a 500-ml, rou nd­ bottomed, stainless-steel flask having a single neck, with a 24 /40 standard-taper joinL (o uLer),4 and a thermometer inlet. The joint is fiLted with a sLain­ - less-steel stopper , which has an inlet tube bent at .~ . right angles to the stopper and covered with asbestos for convenience in handling. The fl ask is held in a :;l sturdy, asbestos-covered clamp, which serves as a handle for th e vessel during th e heating step. An alundum (Soxhlet extraction) thimble 45 mm in diam, in the bottom of which six 1. 5-mm holes have ) been drilled, is held in a second asbestos-covered clamp. The oil bath is a thick-walled heat-resistant glass jar, 6 in. in cliam and 18 in. high, containing "' paraffin oil to within 3 in . of the top (see fig. 1). To prepare the amalgam, a weighed amount of mercury is placed in th e flask, into which a continu­ ous stream of dry nitrogen is passed by means of the inlet tube of the stapper. The required amount of sodium 5 is weighed under paraffin oil , and then cut into pieces just small enough to be readily slipped ~ through the neck of the flask . E ach piece is rinsed I A project sponsored by the Division of Research of the Atomic Energy Com· mission. 2 Figures in brackets indicate the litcrature references at the end of this paper. 3 The reduction procedure has also been modified for use with macro quantities of lactones [41. • Scientific Glass Company, Bloomfield, )1.J. • For the reduction of aldonic lactones under tbe conditions employed in this F LaURE 1. Apparatus used in the prepm'ation of sodium laboratory a 5-percent amalgam bas been found to be satisfactory. amalgam pellets. 135 Meeker burner until the amalgam is entirely molten. (The presence of remaining solid particles in the amalgam may b e detected by the sound of their impact on the walls of the flask when it is given a gentle, swirling motion.) While the amalgam is being pre­ pared, the alundum thimble is heated over another Meeker burner by a second operator. The hot thimble is then so clamped that its bottom is 1 to 2 in. above the surface of the oil, and the molten amalgam is poured into the thimble from the ther­ mometer inlet of the flask. The amalgam flows through the holes in the bottom of the thimble, drops through the oil, and collects at the bottom of the oil bath as small, rather flat pellets. Optimal conditions for the production of smooth pellets must be determined by trial. If the flask and thimble have not been sufficiently heated, the amalgam may solidify in the thimble. If the holes .A in the thimble are too large, the product may be , I somewhat " thready." However , once the optimal conditions have been established, the procedure may be repeated without difficulty. The entire operation must be performed in an efficient hood. The amalgam is stored under paraffin oil in a wide-mouthed, screw-capped bottle (see fig. 2) . Pellets are removed as needed, weighed under oil, and rinsed with an inert, volatile solvent im­ ;'--, m ediately before use. References FIGURE 2. Sodium amalgam pellets. [1] H . S. Isbell, J . V. Karabinos, H. L. Frush, N. B. Holt, A. Schwebel, a nd T . T . Galkowski, J . Research NBS 48, 163 (1952) RP2301. [2] H . S. Isbell, U .S. Patent No. 2,632,005, Mar. 17, 1953. [3] H . L. Frush a nd H . S. Isbell, J . Research N BS 50, 133 (1953) RP2400. [4] H . L. Frush and H . S. Isbell, J . Research NBS 54, 267 (1955) RP2588. W ASHING'rON, D.C. (Paper 64Al-35) 136 , L Publications of the National Bureau of Standards* Selected Abstracts components of the recording system-the reservoir of material or energy, the marking point or matrix positioned by the measuring element, and the chart surface which preserves Surface-wave resonance effect in a reactive t he record. cylindrical stI'ucture excited by an azial line source, A. L . Cullen, J. Research NBS 64D, No . 1, Energy dissipation by fast electl'ons, L. V. 13 (1960 ). pencer, NBS Monograph 1, 70 (1959) 45 cents. It is shown that a pLll'ely reactive cylinder excited by a Tabulations are given of the energy dissipated by fast elec­ neighboring line source can, under suitable conditions, give trons at different distances from nomoenergetic electron rise to a radiation pattern closely approximating the function sources, for plane perpendicular and point isotropic sources. cos nO. A summary of the theoretical methods and data utilized, and In a numerical example, a cylinder of three T.E.M. wave­ a table of spatial moments are also included. ') lengths circumference has a sLll'face reactance chosen to f emphasize the term cos 60 in the Fourier series of the result­ Calculated behavior of a fast neutron spec­ ant radiation pattern. It is shown that only 1.1 percent of the total power delivered to the line SOLll'ce is radiated in trometer based on the total absorption prin­ unwanted modes. ciple, J. E. Leiss, Tech. Note 10 (PB151369) $1.00. I t is also shown that the position of the line source does not Performance calculations for a total absorption fast neutron affect this result to first order provided that k(b-a)« l , spectrometer are presented. The spectrometer detecting where b-a is the distance of the line so urce from the cylin­ element is a boron-10-load ed liquid scintillator. By making drical surface. t he scintillator a thin disk, only those neutrons whose first collision is a large-energy-loss hydrogen collision have appre­ Basic experimental studies of the magnetic field ciable chance of remaining in the spectrometer long enough from electromagnetic sources immersed in a to be captured. The expected energy resolution and efficiency of this type of spectrometer are determined , and are com­ semi-infinite conducting medium, M. B. parable to other types of fast neutron spectrometers. Kraichman, J. Research NBS 64D, No.1 , 21 (1960 ). Using electromagnetic sources, consisting of various dipole, Penetration of gamma I'ays from isotropic and loops immersed ina concentrated sodium chloride solution, sources through aluminum and concrete, M . J. measurements were made verifying the magnetic fi eld propa­ Berger and L. V. Spencer, Tech. Note 11 (PBI51370) gation equations in air, derived previously by several authors. The receiver was farther away from the SOLll'ce than a wave­ 50 cents. length in the conducting medium, but much closer than a Semianalytical expressions, with numerically specified param­ wavelength in air. eters, are given which represent the gamma ray dose distribu­ An expression is derived giving the value of t he magnetic tion in infinite aluminum or concrete media for sources that fi eld in air due to a rectangulnr loop with a horizontal axis by are monoenergetic (with energies betwee n 10,22 Mev and assuming the loop to consist of two electric dipoles correspond­ 0.0341 Mev), iso tropic, and have the form of an infinite plane, ing to the horizontal members. Experimental data verifying point, disk, or spherical surface. this expression are presented. Also, using submerged electric dipoles, measurements were Precise time synchronization of widely sepa­ made of the magnetic fi eld in air which show that the fi eld is determined solely by the cLll'rent in the horizontal radiating I'ated clocks, A. H . Morgan, Tech. Note 22 wires of the dipoles. (PB151381) $1.50. This paper describes known prescise m ethods of setting a Determination of the amplitude-probability group of widely separated clocks to precisely the same time distribution of atmosphel'ic radio noise from and keeping them in close agreement indefinitely; most of the proposed methods are now available. An estimate of statistical moments, W. G. Crichlow, C. J . the accuracies of each m ethod are given, Some discussion Rouhique, A. D. Spaulding, and W . M . Beery, of high frequency radio propagation theory pertinent to two J . Research NBS 64:D, No.1, 49 (1960 ). of the methods and a few sets of measurements of the propaga­ tion delay time of high frequency signals from WWV to During the International Geophysical Year, the National WWVH are given, Several graphs and tables are included Bureau of Standards established a network of atmospheric to simplify some of the calculations.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Experiments with the Ammonium Amalgam
    Experiments with the Ammonium Amalgam. [from THE AM. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, VOL. XL, SEPT., 1865.] EXPERIMENTS WITH THE AMMONIUM AMALGAM, BY CHARLES M. WETHERILL, Ph.D., M.D. The existence of the hypothetical radical NH 4 depends less upon the characteristics of its so-called amalgam than! upon the parallelism of its salts with those of the alkalies. If, from these analogies, we accept the metallic nature of ammonium, it will be difficult to avoid assigning a similar character to the rad- icals of all of the organic bases; and especially to those which, like the compound /ammonias, have an alkaline reaction and possess physical and chemical properties so like ammonia. If such be the inference, we must admit numerous compound metals exists only in certain of , which states of combination their elements. The assumption of the elementary nature of a metal is destroyed and the ideas of the alchemists are re- ; a may vived for if NH 4 be metal and NH 3 be not one, why not other metals, esteemed elements, be also compounds. In examining the so-called ammonium amalgam one is inter- ested at the great resemblance which it bears to the amalgams proper in its physical properties. The mercury has lost its flu- idity or mobility, and, at the same time, its relations of cohesion and adhesion are very sensibly altered. It no longer coheres powerfully; but adheres to, or Wets, platinum, iron and other metals, like the potassium or sodium amalgam. When left to C. M. Wetherill—Experiments with Ammonium Amalgam. 3 itself, the swollen mass shrinks, and gradually resolves itself into NH 3(NH 0) H and Hg, because (as it is usually explained) NH 4 has 4 a great tendency to fall apart into NH 3 and H.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Submission from the EU on Mercury-Added Products And
    Submission from the EU on mercury-added products and manufacturing processes using mercury or mercury compounds In accordance with Decision MC-3/16: Review of Annexes A and B, the Secretariat called in a letter dated 13 December (MC/COP3/2019/15) for submissions from Parties by 31 March 2020, including: a) Information on mercury-added products and on the availability, technical and economic feasibility, and environmental and health risks and benefits of non-mercury alternatives to mercury-added products, pursuant to paragraph 4 of article 4 of the Convention b) Information on processes that use mercury or mercury compounds and on the availability, technical and economic feasibility and environmental and health risks and benefits of mercury-free alternatives to manufacturing processes in which mercury or mercury compounds are used, pursuant to paragraph 4 of article 5 of the Convention The EU would like to share the information on a number of products and processes listed in table 1 below, where EU law is stricter than the provisions of the Convention. Each product/process is covered in an individual fiche, including data sources and references. The submission also includes a fiche on re-emerging use of mercury used as propellant in ion engines. New information has surfaced regarding this specific use which is likely to cause a significant dispersion of mercury to the environment. Note that the EU submission is based on the European Commission study on the "Collection of information on mercury-added products and their alternatives". The final report has a wider scope than the EU submission as it also covers a number of other existing or emerging uses and has been published and made available on CIRCABC.
    [Show full text]
  • Mercury and Mercury Compounds
    United States Office of Air Quality EPA-454/R-97-012 Environmental Protection Planning And Standards Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 December 1997 AIR EPA LOCATING AND ESTIMATING AIR EMISSIONS FROM SOURCES OF MERCURY AND MERCURY COMPOUNDS L & E EPA-454/R-97-012 Locating And Estimating Air Emissions From Sources of Mercury and Mercury Compounds Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Office of Air and Radiation U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 December 1997 This report has been reviewed by the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and has been approved for publication. Mention of trade names and commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. EPA-454/R-97-012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................ xi 1.0 PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT .............................................. 1-1 2.0 OVERVIEW OF DOCUMENT CONTENTS ................................. 2-1 3.0 BACKGROUND ........................................................ 3-1 3.1 NATURE OF THE POLLUTANT ..................................... 3-1 3.2 OVERVIEW OF PRODUCTION, USE, AND EMISSIONS ................. 3-1 3.2.1 Production .................................................. 3-1 3.2.2 End-Use .................................................... 3-3 3.2.3 Emissions ................................................... 3-6 4.0 EMISSIONS FROM MERCURY PRODUCTION ............................. 4-1 4.1 PRIMARY MERCURY
    [Show full text]
  • Paper Mills 553 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
    DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: PAPER MILLS 553 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ MERCURY USE: Table of Contents About This Handout ............................ 554 PAPER MILLS Why Should I Be Concerned About Mercury? .............................................. 555 Keeping Mercury Out of Wastewater ... 557 Mercury is Potentially Used or Released at 1 A Component in Equipment ............. 558 Paper Mills in Four Different Areas: Mercury Product Focus: Batteries ..... 558 Mercury Product Focus: Detergents & 1 A component in equipment (e.g., switches, gauges, thermometers) Cleaners ............................................... 560 Mercury Product Focus: Gauges - 2 An ingredient in chemicals or laboratory chemicals (e.g., thimerosal) Manometers, Barometers, and Vacuum Gauges ................................................. 561 3 A contaminant in raw materials (eg., caustic soda) Mercury Product Focus: Lamps ........ 561 Mercury Product Focus: Switches and 4 An incidental release due to a production process (eg., coal Relays ................................................... 563 combustion) Mercury Switches in Electrical Applications ......................................... 564 Mercury Product Focus: Thermometers ...................................... 565 Where Would These Products or Processes Be Mercury Product Focus: Thermo-Electric Found in a Paper Mill? Devices ................................................. 565 Mercury Product Focus: Thermostat Mercury-containing instruments and devices are potentially
    [Show full text]
  • Been Regarded As a Distinguishing Characteristic of Electrolytic Con
    634 CHEMISTRY: LEWIS AND HWIVE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTION IN DILUTE AMALGAMS By Gilbert N. Lewis and Thomas B. Hine DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Reeived by the Academy. October 17.1916 The modem theory of electrical conduction in metals, according to which the metal is dissociated to give a positive ion of low mobility, which is characteristic of the metal, and a negative carrier of high mo- bility, which is common to all metals and presumably to be identified with the electron, has given rise to certain misgivings, despite the com- plete analogy between this theory and the accepted theory of electro- lytic dissociation. It is true that in the case of solid metals the crystal- line forces, which lead to the formation of the various components of the metal into symmetrical space-lattices, produce conditions which have no counterpart in liquid electrolytes, but in the case of a liquid metal like mercury we must assume that it differs from any electrolyte -we are tempted to say from any other electrolyte-only in as far as one of its ions has properties which differ very greatly in degree, but probably not in kind, from the properties of other ions. If therefore we should ultimately find that the Arrhenius theory of ionization is not applicable to a liquid metal we should be inclined to believe that it is not completely valid in the case of electrolytes. This theory of electrolytic dissociation, which was originally pro- posed to explain the properties of aqueous salt solutions, has since been successfully applied without essential modification to many types of non-aqueous solution.
    [Show full text]
  • Alkali Or Alkaline -Earth Metals
    28.05 28.05 - Alkali or alkaline-earth metals; rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed; mercury. - Alkali or alkaline-earth metals : 2805.11 - - Sodium 2805.12 - - Calcium 2805.19 - - Other 2805.30 - Rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium whether or not intermixed or interalloyed 2805.40 - Mercury (A) ALKALI METALS The five alkali metals are soft and rather light. They decompose cold water; they deteriorate in air, forming hydroxides. (1) Lithium. This is the lightest (specific gravity 0.54) and hardest of the group. It is kept in mineral oil or inert gases. Lithium helps to improve the qualities of metals, and is used in various alloys (e.g., anti-friction alloys). Because of its great affinity for other elements, it is also used, inter alia, to obtain other metals in the pure state. (2) Sodium. A solid (specific gravity 0.97) with a metallic lustre, readily tarnishing after cutting. It is preserved in mineral oil or in airtight welded tins. Sodium is obtained by electrolysing molten sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide. It is used in the manufacture of sodium peroxide (“ dioxide ”), sodium cyanide, sodamide, etc., the indigo industry, the manufacture of explosives (chemical primers and fuses), the polymerisation of butadiene, anti-friction alloys, or titanium or zirconium metallurgy. The heading excludes sodium amalgam (heading 28.53). (3) Potassium. A silvery-white metal (specific gravity 0.85), which can be cut with an ordinary knife. It is preserved in mineral oil or in sealed ampoules. Potassium is used for the preparation of certain photoelectric cells, and in anti-friction alloys.
    [Show full text]
  • Further Information on the Mercury Cell
    Further information on the mercury cell Here is some further information to assist you. The anode reaction involves chloride ion being converted to chorine gas. Mercury flows over the steel base of the cell and, in this way, the mercury acts as the cathode. Sodium is released in preference to hydrogen on the mercury surface, the sodium dissolving in the mercury. This is then carried into the secondary cell where it reacts with water to release sodium hydroxide. In the secondary reactor, the sodium amalgam reacts with water to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen. Write the equation for this reaction. To increase the rate of this reaction, the secondary reactor contains carbon balls, which catalyse the reaction. The sodium hydroxide is produced at up to 50% concentration. This is the sales specification and therefore no further purification is required. Additionally, the amount of sodium chloride produced is low at 30 ppm, making the mercury cell a highly effective means of producing sodium hydroxide. Further information on the diaphragm cell Here is some further information to assist you. The anode reaction involves chloride ion being converted to chlorine gas, while, at the cathode, hydrogen is released. The porous diaphragm is a means of separating chlorine liberated at the anode from sodium hydroxide and hydrogen produced at the cathode. Due to a hydraulic gradient, it prevents the reverse flow of hydroxyl ions formed in cathode section from passing into the anode section where they can react to form sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and sodium chlorate (NaClO3). Due to reactions described in the section on The problem with electrolysis, sodium hypochlorite, sodium chlorate and oxygen are formed as bi-products in a commercial cell.
    [Show full text]
  • Hyponitrites ; Their Properties, and Their Pre- Paration by Sodium Or Potassium
    View Article Online / Journal Homepage / Table of Contents for this issue DIVERS : HYPONITRfTES ; THEfR PROPERTfES, ETC. $5 XV.-Hyponitrites ; their Properties, and their Pre- paration by Sodium or Potassium. Published on 01 January 1899. Downloaded by Heinrich Heine University of Duesseldorf 12/11/2013 22:18:32. By EDWARDDIVERS, M.D.; D.Sc., F.R.8. THE hyponitrites have received the attention of many chemists besides myself since their discovery in 1871, and even this year new ways of forming them and the new working of an old method have been published, Yet much has been left to be put on record before a fairly correct and full history of these salts can be said to have been given, and the present paper is meant to be the necessary supplement to what has already been published. Way8 fmming Hyponitrites. No writer on hyponitrites in recent years has ahown himself acquainted with all the known ways of getting these salts, or even with the most productive. The following complete list is valuable, H2 View Article Online 96 DIVERS : HYPONITRITES ; THEIR PROPERTIES, AND THEIR therefore, and is of special interest as bringing togehr the various modes of formation of these salts. 1, Reduction of an alkali nitrite by the amalgam of its metal (Divers, 1871). 2. Reduction of an alkali nitrite by ferrous hydroxide (Zorn, 1882 ; Dunstap and Dymond). 3. Reduction of (hypo)nitrososulphates by sodium amalgam (Divers and Haga, 1885). 4. Reduction of nitric oxide by alkali stannite (Divers and Hagn, 1885). 5. Reduction of nitric oxide by ferrous hydroxide (Dunstan and Dymond, 1887).
    [Show full text]
  • Military 501 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
    DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: MILITARY 501 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ MERCURY USE: MILITARY Table of Contents Keeping Mercury out of Wastewater .... 501 Mercury can potentially be used or released in a military setting in four About This Handout ............................ 502 different areas: Why Should I Be Concerned About Mercury? .............................................. 503 1 A component in equipment (e.g, thermometers, pressure sensing 1 A Component in Equipment ............. 505 devices, navigational equipment, seals, valves, or specialty products Mercury Product Focus: Batteries ..... 505 such as infrared sensors, semiconductors, security sensors ) Mercury Product Focus: Detergents & Cleaners ............................................... 507 2 An ingredient in chemicals or laboratory chemicals (e.g., Mercury Product Focus: Gauges - phenylmercuric acetate) Manometers, Barometers, and Vacuum Gauges ................................................. 508 3 A contaminant in raw materials (eg., manufacturing plants that use Mercury Product Focus: Lamps ........ 508 caustic soda) Mercury Product Focus: Semiconductors or Infrared Sensors ............................. 510 4 An incidental release due to a production process (eg., facilities that Mercury Product Focus: Switches and have on-site boilers) Relays ................................................... 510 Mercury Switches in Electrical Applications ......................................... 512 Mercury Product Focus: Thermo-Electric Devices ................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Hazards in the Electrolysis of Brine in Mercury Cells
    35 HAZARDS IN THE ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE IN MERCURY CELLS By A. PENNELL, Ph.D.* SUMMARY A brief description of a typical mercury cell installation is given in order that a full appreciation of the hazards involved can be obtained. Measures which can be taken in design to ove rcome these dangers are indicated. Introduction Sodium chloride brine is a relatively harmless substance, although of course certain care must be exercised in the selec­ tion of materials of construction. However, in the electrolysis of brine, raw materials are used and products are obtained which require very careful handling. In addition to severe corrosion hazards, explosive, fire, electrical, and toxic hazards also exist, which have to be minimised by good design and careful operation. This paper has been limited to the safety measures which can be adopted by the cell designer. The earliest type of industrial mercury cell was the famous ELECTROLYSER DECOMPOSER Castner-Kellner rocking cell which started production in 1897. Fig. I.—Principle of mercury cell operation This was rated at 550 A. Prior to 1945, the usual operating currents were up to 14 000 A, but at the present time cells are installed which can operate up to 200 000 A. Although the same basic principles are involved, there are many different The ancillary equipment associated with an electrolytic cell designs of mercury cell such as the horizontal, vertical, and plant is outlined in the simplified flow diagram shown in rotating cathode cells. The hazards encountered will be Fig. 2. Sodium chloride brine containing 310-315 g/l of generally similar for the various designs, but the following sodium chloride enters the cells, and is depleted by electrolysis- discussion will make particular reference to horizontal to 270-280 g/1 sodium chloride.
    [Show full text]
  • Mercury Contamination in Man and His Environment
    TECHNICAL REPORTS SERIES No. 137 Mercury Contamination in Man and his Environment A JOINT UNDERTAKING BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION. THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS. THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY J WJ INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, VIENNA, 1972 MERCURY CONTAMINATION IN MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT TECHNICAL REPORTS SERIES No. 137 MERCURY CONTAMINATION IN MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT A JOINT UNDERTAKING BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION, THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA, 1972 MERCURY CONTAMINATION IN MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT IAEA, VIENNA, 1972 STI/DOC/lO/137 Printed by the IAEA in Austria July 1972 FOREWORD In May 1967, at a Symposium organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency in Amsterdam, the special problems of food and environ- mental contamination by mercury were discussed by world experts on the subject and by representatives of FAO, WHO and IAEA. One of the recom- mendations made by this meeting was that the international organizations of the United Nations family should assist in the collection and distribution of information on environmental mercury. Subsequently, the organizations concerned agreed that a handbook on mercury contamination would be es- pecially useful. This would deal with sources of mercury in relation to man and his environment; with physical and biological transfer processes that determine its distribution; with analytical methods for determining mercury and its compounds as environmental contaminants; with actual concentrations of mercury found in the environment, in living organisms and in man; and with its toxicology in animals and man.
    [Show full text]
  • Report to Congress on the 2009 EPA Report to Congress on the Potential
    R E P O R T TO CONGRESS Potential Export of Mercury Compounds from the United States for Conversion to Elemental Mercury October 14, 2009 United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxic Substances Washington, DC 20460 October 14, 2009 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Table of Contents Acronyms and abbreviations..............................................................................................................viii Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................ix Introduction: Background and Purpose ................................................................................................ix Selection of Mercury Compounds for Assessment in this Report ...................................................... x Mercury Compound Sources, Amounts, Purposes, and International Trade..................................xi Potential for Export of Mercury Compounds to be Used as a Source for Elemental Mercury......xi Other Relevant Information ...................................................................................................................xii Conclusions of Assessment of Potential for Export of Mercury Compounds................................xvi 1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background .....................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]