Our organization, departments, staff and researchers
Koichi Haraguchi
The research group I work for : International
Contribution/Information Group
Accurate information on mercury levels in the human body and the environment is
essential to promote measures to prevent environmental pollution by mercury. This is also important for
"monitoring of contamination status (Articles 8, 9, and 12)," "planning of mercury control measures
(Article 20)," and "evaluation of the effectiveness of measures (reduction of mercury risk to humans)
(Article 22)" as required by the Minamata Convention. Our laboratory aims to develop a more simplified
mercury analysis technique than the current ones that will contribute to the accurate assessment of
human health risks of mercury through reliable monitoring. We are also engaged in research on the
development of mercury reference materials, which are indispensable for accurate monitoring of mercury
levels in the human body and the environment.
Some of our research results were published in Analytical Sciences (May 2020), an academic journal in
the
field of analytical chemistry, and the published article received the Hot Article Award.
ISO/IEC 17025 is the global standard for determining the reliability of
test/calibration results. NIMD is accredited by the Japan Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment
(JAB) as a testing laboratory for the analysis of mercury levels in hair, urine and blood, which are
exposure assessment indicators relating to human health. We hope to contribute more than ever to
improving the analytical accuracy of mercury monitoring that contributes to the health of people both in
Japan and abroad.
Please refer to the URL below for the scope of accreditation.
Simplification and streamlining of mercury analysis techniques and development of reference materials
(Representative)
Work
Monitoring of water quality in Minamata Bay and support for various activities in the Minamata area
(Collaborator)
Main research achievements
Original articles (peer-reviewed)
2022
Sakamoto M, Haraguchi K, Tatsuta N, Marumoto M, Yamamoto
M, Nakamura M: Breast milk contribution to tissue mercury levels in rat pups examined by
cross-fostering at birth. Environ Res., 2022; 208: 112772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.112772
Haraguchi K, Matsuyama A, Akagi H: Simple and sensitive
method for the determination of methylmercury in hair using thin-layer chromatography with
thermal decomposition gold amalgamation atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Anal. Sci., 2022;
38: 215-221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.110896
2021
Sakamoto M, Haraguchi K, Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Nakamura M,
Murata K: Plasma and red blood cells distribution of total mercury, inorganic mercury, and
selenium in maternal and cord blood from a group of Japanese women. Environ. Res., 2021 196.
110896. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.110896
2020
Haraguchi K, Sakamoto M, Matsuyama A, Yamamoto M, Dang T
H, Nagasaka H, Uchida K, Ito Y, Kodamatani H, Horvat M, Chan H M, Rand M, Cirtiu C M, Kim B G,
Nielsen F, Yamakawa A, Mashyanov N, Panichev N, Panova E, Watanabe T, Kaneko N, Yoshinaga J,
Herwati R F, Suoth A E, Akagi H: Development of human hair reference material supporting the
biomonitoring of methylmercury. Anal. Sci., 2020; 36: 561-566. https://doi.org/10.2116/analsci.19SBP07
2018
Kim B G, Hong Y S, Haraguchi K, Sakamoto M, Lim H J, Seo
J W, Kim Y M: Comparative screening analytic methods for elderly of blood methylmercury
concentration between two analytical institutions. Comput. Math. Method M., 2018; Article ID
2509413, 5 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2509413
2015
Tokunaga Y, Haraguchi K, Hachiri M, Tsutsumi H,
Ichinomiya M: Seasonal variation of clam populations in Sashiki tidal flat of Yatsushiro Sea.
Shiranuikai Kumagawa Ryuikiken Gakkaishi (Journal of the Japanese Society of Shiranuikai &
Kumagawa Regional Studies), 2015; 9: 21-35.
2012
Haraguchi K, Ohwada K: Nitrogen and phosphorus loads
resulting from precipitation in Yatsushiro Bay. Yosui To Haisui (Journal of Water and Waste),
2012; 54: 367-375.
2011
Haraguchi K, Ohwada K: Relationship between flow volume
of the Kuma River and vertical circulation volume in the northern waters of Yatsushiro Bay.
Shiranuikai Kumagawa Ryuikiken Gakkai Shi (Journal of the Japanese Society of Shiranuikai &
Kumagawa Regional Studies), 2011; 5: 15-20.
Haraguchi K, Sakurada K, Ohwada K: Evaluation of benthic
nutrient fluxes and their importance in the pelagic nutrient cycles in Yatsushiro Bay. Yosui To
Haisui (Journal of Water and Waste), 2011; 53: 205-212. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/40018714139
Haraguchi K, Ohwada K: Freshwater inflow, nitrogen and
phosphorous loads to Yatsushiro Bay, Japan. Yosui To Haisui (Journal of Water and Waste), 2011;
53: 125-133. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/40018707594
Haraguchi K, Yamamoto T, Shimizu Y, Chiba S, Nagao M:
Effects of phytoplankton vertical migration on the formation of oxygen depleted water in a
shallow coastal sea. Estuar. Coast. Shelf. Sci., 2010; 86: 441-449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2009.08.019
2009
Yamamoto T, Sasada S, Haraguchi K: An artificial
midlayer seafloor - Evaluation of reducing sinking particulate load from suspended oyster
culture from an initial half-year observation. Nihon Suisan Gakkai Shi (Bulletin of the Japanese
Society of Fisheries Science), 2009; 75: 834-843. https://doi.org/10.2331/suisan.75.834
Haraguchi K, Yamamoto T, Katayama T, Matsuda O: Carbon
flow through the food web established on an artificial fish reef. Nihon Suisan Gakkai Shi
(Bulletin of the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science), 2009; 75: 810-818. https://doi.org/10.2331/suisan.75.810
Haraguchi K, Yamamoto T: Measurement of Benthic
Photosynthesis on the Sublittoral Seafloor by the in situ Microelectrode Method and Oxygen Flux
Method. Engan Kaiyo Kenkyu (Bull. Coastal Oceanogr), 2009; 47: 43-49. https://doi.org/10.32142/engankaiyo.47.1_43
Anggara, G A K, Chiba S, Yamagata Y, Shimizu Y, Haraguchi
K: Numerical model on the material circulation for coastal sediment in Ago Bay,
Japan. J. Marine Sys., 2009; 77: 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmarsys.2008.11.006
Asaoka S, Yamamoto K, Haraguchi K, Yamamoto T: Effects
of granulated coal ash as a sediment amendment on benthic microalgae and microbial communities
in the sediment. Yosui To Haisui (Journal of Water and Waste), 2009; 51:237-244. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/40016497171
2008
Yamamoto T, Hashimoto S, Matsuda O, Go A, Nakaguchi K, Haraguchi K: Comparison of sediment quality between
Hiroshima Bay and Suo Nada - Special reference to the seasonal variations of sediment quality
parameters and their relationships. Nihon Suisan Gakkai Shi (Bulletin of the Japanese Society of
Fisheries Science), 2008; 74:1037-1042. https://doi.org/10.2331/suisan.74.1037
Anggara, G A K, Chiba S, Yamagata Y, Shimizu Y, Haraguchi
K: Modeling early diagenesis of sediment in Ago Bay Japan, A comparison of steady
state and dynamic calculations. Ecol. Model., 2008; 215: 40-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2008.02.025
Haragucchi K, Yamamoto T, Katayama T, Yamagata Y,
Matsuda O: Enhancement of aerobic decomposition of organic matter from aquaculture by an
artificial mid-layer seafloor. Nihon Suisan Gakkai Shi (Bulletin of the Japanese Society of
Fisheries Science), 2008; 74:429-431. https://doi.org/10.2331/suisan.74.429
Haraguchi K, Taniguchi A: Effect of Simultaneous
Enrichment of Dephosphorization Steelmaking Slag and Treated Municipal Sewage on Growth of
Coastal Phytoplankton Assemblage. Tetsu-to-Hagané (Iron and Steel), 2003; 89:430-437. https://doi.org/10.2355/tetsutohagane1955.89.4_430
Haraguchi K, Ando T, Sato M, Kawaguchi C, Tomiyasu T,
Horvat M, Akagi H: Detection of localized methylmercury contamination by use of the mussel
adductor muscle in Minamata Bay and Kagoshima Bay, Japan. Sci. Total Environ., 2000; 261:
75-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-9697(00)00626-4
Akagi H, Haraguchi K, Yoshihide K, Malm O, Branches F J
P, Guimares J R J: Exposure of aboriginal people to methylmercury due to gold mining in Amazon,
Brazil. J. Environ. Sci., 2000; 12: 45-50.
1999
Eto K, Takizawa Y, Akagi H, Haraguchi K, Asano S,
Takahata N, Tokunaga H: Differential diagnosis between organic and inorganic mercury poisoning
in human cases- the pathologic point of view. Toxicol. Pathol., 1999; 27: 664-671. https://doi.org/10.1177/019262339902700608
1997
Sato M, Haraguchi K, Ando T, Tomiyasu T, Akagi H:
Distribution of total mercury and methylmercury in tissues of the mussel Mytilus
gllaoprovincialis. Environ. Sci., 1997; 5: 225-237.
1995
Akagi H, Malm O, Branches F J P, Kashima Y, Guimares J R J, Oliveria R B, Haraguchi K, Pheiffer W C, Takizawa Y, Kato H: Human
exposure to mercury due to goldmining in the Tapajos River basin, Amazon, Brazil: speciation of
mercury in human hair, blood and urine. Water Air Soil Pollut., 1995; 80: 85-94. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01189656
Tanaka T, Higashi A, Asakawa M, Matsuda I, Haraguchi K,
Akagi H: Contents of lead, cadmium and mercury in breast milk of Japanese lactating women.
Biomed. Res. Trace Elem., 1995; 6: 155-156. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/10028280241/
Original articles (non peer-reviewed)
2008
Yamamoto T, Asaoka S, Haraguchi K: Effects of magnesium
oxide-added polyethylene-coated steel wire on the growth of attached marine diatom Nitzschia sp.
Hiroshima Daigaku Kiyo (Journal of Science of the Hiroshima University), 2008; 47: 53-59. http://doi.org/10.15027/39868
2003
Taniguchi A, Haraguchi K, Nakamura Y, Arita K, Umiguchi
Y, Nishino Y: A possible scenario for environmental remediation in coastal waters by use of
phytoplankton and waste materials. Tohoku J. Agri. Res., 2003; 54: 53-63. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/110000992123
Reviews - Commentaries
2023
Haraguchi K: Trends of mercury concentration in hair in
Japan. Health care, 2023; 65: 399-405.
2018
Haraguchi K: Analysis of mercury in urine for evaluating
volumes of metallic mercury exposure as a result of gold mining. Bunseki (Analysis), 2018; 2:72.
2017
Haraguchi K: Development of Human Hair Reference
Material Supporting the Biomonitoring of Methylmercury. Tenbo To Topikkusu (Perspectives and
Topics), 2017; 66: 10.
2015
Haraguchi K, Matsuyama A: Transfer of mercury analysis
technology: Past assistance for developing countries and future assistance for least-developed
countries. Kankyo Joka Gijutsu (Environment Solution Technology), 2015; 14: 4-8.
2012
Ohwada K, Haraguchi K, Morishita K, Umeda K: Grafting
eelgrass seedling from aboard a boat: Development of a planting device for transplanting
nutritive stock. Shiranuikai Kumagawa Ryuikiken Gakkai Shi (Journal of the Japanese Society of
Shiranuikai & Kumagawa Regional Studies), 2012; 6: 13-15.
2008
Anggara, G A K, Chiba S, Yamagata Y, Shimizu Y, Haraguchi
K: Application of the early diagenesis model to Ago Bay sediment, Japan: Comparison
of the sediment characteristics between two observation sites. Glob. Environ. Eng. Res., 2008;
16: 51-61. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/proge1998
Haraguchi K, Masuda T, Yamagata Y, Chiba K: Seasonal and
long-term trends in the water quality of Ago Bay, Japan - A new satoumi sea-area generation.
Kaiyo To Seibutsu (Aquabiology), 2008; 176: 272-282. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/40016132905
Yamagata Y, Chiba K, Haraguchi K, Shimizu Y, Momoshima
N, Kuno A, Matsuo M: Characteristics and deterioration phenomena of marine sediments in Ago Bay
- A new satoumi sea-area generation. Kaiyo To Seibutsu (Aquabiology), 2008; 176: 283-293. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/40016132906
Masuda T, Chiba K, Tanimura A, Hata N, Haraguchi K:.
Characteristics of primary productivity, phytoplankton and zooplankton in Ago Bay - A new
satoumi sea-area generation. Kaiyo To Seibutsu (Aquabiology). 2008; 176: 328-334. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/40016132910
2007
Haraguchi K: Presentation of the Ago Bay restoration
project: Facilitation of decomposition of sediment organic matter with an artificial mid-layer
seafloor. Mie Net, 2007; 78: 17.
2002
Taniguchi A, Haraguchi K: Possibilities of enrichment by
steelmaking slag, Acceleration of marine organism production and marine atmosphere. Gekkan Kaiyo
(Kaiyo Monthly), 2002; 34: 172-176. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/40004805393
2001
Haraguchi K, Ito H, Hiratsuka M, Nakayama E, Taniguchi
A: Possibilities of slag enrichment in subarctic HNLC waters and subtropical low-nutrient
waters. Enhancement of photosynthetic CO2 fixation by marine phytoplankton with steelmaking slag
as a nutrient source. The Iron and Steel Institute of Japan (CO2 Fixation Research Group, Social
Steelmaking Engineering Division, Iron and Steel Institute of Japan, ed.), Tokyo. 2001; 30-33.
Arita K, Haraguchi K, Taniguchi A: Effectiveness of
steelmaking slag as a supply source of essential nutrients for phytoplankton. Enhancement of
photosynthetic CO2 fixation by marine phytoplankton with steelmaking slag as a nutrient source.
The Iron and Steel Institute of Japan (CO2 Fixation Research Group, Social Steelmaking
Engineering Division, Iron and Steel Institute of Japan, ed.), Tokyo. 2001; 24-25.
Books
2008
Haraguchi K, Yamamoto T: Biomass of benthic microalgae
and primary production. Marine plankton ecology (Taniguchi A, managing ed., Sasaki H et al.,
ed.), Seizando-Shoten Publishing, Tokyo. 2008; 299-321. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/110007055467
Haraguchi K, Tahara M, Katayama T: Method for
decomposing organic matter, Patent Application Publication No. 2007-143494 (Patent Number
4444914)
Invited lectures
2021
Haraguchi K: Laboratory proficiency testing on mercury
analysis. UNEP/ROAP Project for promoting the Minamata Convention on Mercury: Asia-Pacific
Annual Webinar on Mercury Science 2021, Web meeting, 2021. 10.
2020
Haraguchi K: Mercury analysis and simplification and
accuracy management in human biomonitoring in developing countries. Environmental Sciences
Seminar. Tokyo, January 2020.
2017
Haraguchi K: Human Biomonitoring for Mercury – state of
the art. WHO SE Regional Workshop: Health Sector Involvement in Implementation of the Minamata
Convention on Mercury, Bangkok, 2017. 7.
Haraguchi K: Human biomonitoring for mercury
exposure–including hair sampling demonstration. WHO WP Regional Workshop: Health Sector
Involvement in Implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, Minamata, 2017. 6.
Haraguchi K: Analytical indicators, risks and benefits
of monitoring and analysis. International Seminar of Mercury, Montevideo, 2017. 3.
Haraguchi K: Mercury in the environment and its effects
on health. Case of Minamata. International Seminar of Mercury, Montevideo, 2017. 3.
2016
Haraguchi K: Mercury analysis technology cooperation
initiated in Minamata. JICA Volunteer and Dispatched Expert Debrief Meeting. Kumamoto, December
2016.
2008
Haraguchi K: Contribution of microalgae to deoxygenation
in the seawater bottom layer. 5th Hiroshima University Seminar on the Environmental Cycling
System. Higashi-Hiroshima, December 2008.
Haraguchi K, Yamamoto T: Location surveys of
photosynthesis production by benthic microalgae in the shallow waters of Ago Bay. Oceanography
Symposium, Oceanographic Society of Japan. Kure, September 2008.
2000
Taniguchi A, Haraguchi K: Possibilities of enrichment by
steelmaking slag. University of Tokyo Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute Symposium. Tokyo,
December 2000.
Oral presentations (2015-)
2019
Haraguchi K, Sakamoto M, Matsuyama A, Yamamoto M,
Nagasaka H, Yoshinaga J: Development of human urine and hair reference materials for human
biomonitoring of mercury. 14th ICMGP, Krakow, 2019. 9.
2018
Haraguchi K: Simplified method for determination of
mercury and new reference materials for human biomonitoring. NIMD Forum 2018, Minamata, 2018.
11.
Haraguchi K, Sakamoto M, Nagasaka H, Uchida K, Ito Y,
Yoshinaga A. Development of urine reference material for evaluation of metal mercury exposure
volumes. Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry. Sendai, September 2018.
2017
Haraguchi K, Sakamoto M, Yamamoto M, Matsuyama A, Dang T
H, Nagasaka H, Yamakawa A, Sano T, Yoshinaga A: Development of hair reference material for
surveying methylmercury exposure volumes. Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry. Tokyo,
September 2017.
Haraguchi K, Sakamoto M, Yamamoto M, Matsuyama A, Hung D
T, Yamakawa A, Sano T, Yoshinaga J: Development of human hair reference material supporting
biomonitoring of methylmercury. 13th ICMGP, Providence, 2017. 7.
2016
Haraguchi K, Matsuyama A, Akagi H. Simplified analysis
of methylmercury in hair by dithizone extraction/thin-layer chromatography/thermal
decomposition, amalgamation and atomic absorption spectrometry. Japan Society for Analytical
Chemistry. Sapporo, September 2016.
2015
Haraguchi K, Matsuyama A. Delivering simplified and more
efficient mercury analysis technology for least-developed countries, etc. Kumamoto Prefectural
Community Center PAREA lobby exhibition. Kumamoto, July 2015.
Externally-funded research
FY2021-2022 General research on health impacts of heavy metals, etc.
(Collaborator)
Review regarding health impacts resulting from methylmercury exposure
FY2020-2024 JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C), Grant Number: 20K12204
(Principal Investigator)
Development and applied research on a method for monitoring mercury in urine by use of gold
nanoparticles
Main career history, academic history, academic degrees, awards,
etc.
Academic history
Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University (Ph. D. (Agriculture))
Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University (Master of Agriculture)
Faculty of Science, Kagoshima University (Bachelor of Science)
Career history
Research Assistant, Faculty of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences, Kumamoto Prefectural
University
Postdoctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University
Researcher, Japan Science and Technology Agency Regional Talent Collaboration Research Project,
Mie Industry Enterprise Support Center
Technical Assistant, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University
Media coverage
Newspaper articles Reference material developed for use in mercury exposure surveys (September 6,
2017, Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun)
