SIMPLE AND EASY METHOD OF SAMPLE PREPARATION FOR MERCURY ANALYSIS IN COMPACT FLOURESCENT LAMPS G. Swarnabala*, B. Divya, B. Mahender, K. Ramaswamy, U. Rambabu, M. R. P. Reddy and N. R. Munirathnam Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET), IDA Phase II, Cherlapally (HCL PO), Hyderabad - 500051, Tel: 040-27265673, 27267309, Fax: 040-27261658. *Corresponding author: swarnabalaganti@gmail.com; 09346240573 Others: divya.deepa1@gmail.com; bhukya.mahender@gmail.com; kadariramu@gmail.com; rambabu32@yahoo.com; mrpreddy@yahoo.com; munirathnamnr@yahoo.co.in Abstract A simple and easy method of sample preparation for mercury (Hg) analysis is designed for the self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). Standard methods adopted have been modified and a novel, cost effective method is developed and compared. The analyses on CVAAS using all the methods are found to be comparative. Hence, the present robust method of analysis is recommended for routine determination of Hg content in CFL bulbs. Key words: Mercury, CFL lamps, CVAAS 1.0 Introduction Mercury (Hg) in fluorescent lamps exists in different states such as a) vapour, b) liquid metal or an oxygen compound, c) an amalgam and (d) pills. Many lamps are filled with amalgam or pills and some others with metal Hg in the form of vapour alone. For the analysis of total Hg content, undue importance need not be given for Hg in vapour form (except in the case of lamps filled with vapour alone (1)), as the vapour pressure of Hg is tiny (0.00185 mm) at 25 o C. Metal or oxidized Hg dissolves in nitric acid, however some amalgams such as Ti/Hg, Bi/Pb/Sn/Hg, etc require sulphuric, phosphoric, or other oxidizing acids. Aqua regia seems to be the best combination for the testing of lamps used for this study. This paper describes a new method of sample preparation for total Hg analysis used in any form in bulbs. It is compared with two methods (1-2) while trials for two more methods (3, 4) are mentioned. The measurement is done by CVAAS as per manufacturer’s instructions in all the methods analysed.