This review deals with the analysis of mercury present in different types of solid, liquid and gaseous samples involved in the coal combustion process, focusing on the specific characteristics of each type of sample and the problems typically associated with these products. The main aim of the paper is to describe the methods that, at the current stage of development, are preferable in each case (i.e. the most frequently used in most laboratories and the standard methods). The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed with reference to the quality of the results and the uncertainties involved in the evaluation of mercury behavior during coal combustion processes. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.