Yes of course there are many other steps that could be taken, just what all really makes sense? Is washing out the mercury salts with water really so good? Where to put the contaminated water? Then rather dispose of it later as a separated solid. The salts dissolve in water, not in ether, so the product will be completely without mercury, also a steam distillation separates the salts. I wonder if AB extraction is still needed after steam distillation and an acetone wash?
That is why I ask the questions.
Somewhere it was said that steam distillation makes the oil "long", that is, diluted and has less yield. I can not imagine that is correct, but maybe really 10% oil remains, because it is not completely carried along with the steam.
I am just trying to find information to become better.