coral chemical analysis?

[Katherine Atack]

Hi,

I'm hoping for some advice on coral chemical analysis.
My name is Katherine Atack.  I'm currently doing my
MSc. Res. in Malaysia.  I am trying to find out if
cyanide is stored in coral tissue, and if so how much
and how long it remains. I have been in the field for
the last 6 months adding known quantities of cyanide
to small coral nubbins. I am writing to ask if you
know of a fast and safe method for freeing cyanide
from the coral tissue in preparation for cyanide
concentration analysis.  For actual cyanide
measurement I am planning to use the
Pyridine-pyrazolone method although the Prussian blue
iron-cyanide complex has also been recommended. Both
of which use a highly sensitive colorimeter method. I
will have roughly 3000 nubbins to analyze.  

Any references or ideas for method of cyanide
extraction and analysis would be extremely helpful.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. 
Thank you for your time

Yours sincerely  
Katherine Atack.

IBEC 
UNIMAS
94300 Kota Samarahan
Sarawak
Malaysia
Tel: 082 671000
Fax:  082 671903
E-mail: kate_atack at yahoo.com


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Photos - 35mm Quality Prints, Now Get 15 Free!
http://photos.yahoo.com/