How-To: Detecting mercury in light bulbs

I thought this chemistry video by Jen K was really interesting. You may not be able to perform this particular experiment at home since you need access to an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. However, the video does give an interesting look at how they perform this experiment in the lab.

Mercury is detected in light bulbs by adding various oxidizing reagents to break down organic complexes into mercuric ion. The AAS instrument is then used to give a mercury concentration value.

How to: Detecting mercury in light bulbs

In the Maker Shed:

In the Maker Shed: Chemistry Experiment Kit 3000