In countries that see mercury-caused environmental pollution emerge, there is a growing need for capacity development regarding appropriate mercury monitoring and health impact surveys to implement provisions of the Convention. In efforts to address this situation, we, jointly with the UN Environment Programme Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP ROAP), administer analysis proficiency testing for mercury with the view to further establishing the accuracy of analysis results in the signatory countries.
To assess the individual level of proficiency of a testing laboratory that performs mercury analysis in order to deliver better mercury monitoring skills.
Public research institutions and universities, etc. that engage (or are planning to engage) in mercury analysis for monitoring or research purposes.
*The table can be scrolled horizontally.
First round of proficiency testing | Second round of proficiency testing | Third round of proficiency testing | |
---|---|---|---|
Specimen | Hair | Fish | Sediment |
Target parameter | Total mercury | Total mercury; methylmercury (selectable) | Total mercury; methylmercury (selectable) |
Qualification for participation | Minimum detection value: < 1 ng Hg | Minimum detection value: < 1 ng Hg | Minimum detection value: < 1 ng Hg |
Registration fee | Free of charge | Free of charge | Free of charge |
Registration period | August to December 2021 | September to November 2022 | November 2023 to April 2024 |
Specimen distribution period | February to March 2022 | February 2023 | TBA |
Analysis period | By April 8, 2022 | By June 2, 2023 | TBA |
Results announcement | August 2022 | October 2023 | TBA |
Final report | September 2022 | October 2023 |
Information on 3rd proficiency testing
Report on 2nd proficiency testing
Introduction to total mercury analysis for human biomonitoring samples
Analysis of total mercury in Human Biomonitoring Samples - YouTube
Information on 2nd proficiency testing
Report on 1st proficiency testing
Proficiency test results were shared in a workshop at the International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant
Test results were shared on Minamata Online
Information on 1st proficiency testing