Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal with well-known and broadly tested toxicity. Since Hg pollution and its impacts on human health are of global concern, it has become necessary to develop analytical methodologies that will provide tools to obtain reliable analytical information about the levels of Hg in samples, which very often have a complex matrix composition. This chapter summarizes key information on Hg and its chemical forms,...

Fluorometry, ESI-MS, FTIR, and radical scavenging assays were used for characterization of bioactive compounds and the levels of their antioxidant activities. Polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid and the level of antioxidant activity of water extracts of “Murtilla-like” [Myrteola nummularia (Poiret) Berg.], and other widely consumed berries were determined and compared. The contents of bioactive compounds and...

Reference materials (RMs) play an important role in all elements of the quality assurance system of measurements. In this work, ``package'' 4 new CRMs (bottom sediment, herring tissue, cod tissue, cormorant tissue) were prepared and characterised to carry out the quality control in monitoring analysis of mercury and methylmercury in environmental samples. Materials - candidates were collected in Poland and south part of the Czech...

In view of the specific properties of mercury and its capability of forming compounds that can be bioaccumulated and biomagnified at successive levels of the trophic pyramid, it has become necessary to gather detailed information on the sources of emission of this element into the environment and its fate there. Moreover, the increasing awareness of the relationship between the toxicity of mercury and its chemical form has sharpened...