Activities of NIMD
Mercury analysis proficiency test
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 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), administer analysis proficiency testing for mercury with the view to further establishing the accuracy of analysis results in the signatory countries.
Objective of analysis proficiency testing for mercury
To assess the individual level of proficiency of a testing laboratory that performs mercury analysis in order to deliver better mercury monitoring skills.
Testing laboratories eligible for proficiency testing
Public research institutions and universities, etc. that engage (or are planning to engage) in mercury analysis for monitoring or research purposes.
Test details and schedules
*The table can be scrolled horizontally.
| First round of proficiency testing | Second round of proficiency testing | Third round of proficiency testing | Fourth round of proficiency testing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen | Hair | Fish | Sediment | Urine |
| Target parameter | Total mercury | Total mercury; methylmercury (selectable) | Total mercury; methylmercury (selectable) | Total mercury |
| Qualification for participation | Minimum detection value: < 1 ng Hg | 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 | Free of charge |
| Registration period | August to December 2021 | September to November 2022 | November 2023 to April 2024 | November 2024 to December |
| Specimen distribution period | February to March 2022 | February 2023 | September 2024 | January to February 2025 |
| Analysis period | By April 8, 2022 | By June 2, 2023 | By January 31, 2025 | By May 18, 2025 |
| Results announcement | August 2022 | October 2023 | July 2025 | September 2025 |
| Final report | September 2022 | October 2023 | July 2025 | September 2025 |
General outline of the testing
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September 2025
Report on 4th proficiency testing
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July 2025
Report on 3rd proficiency testing
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October 2024
Information on 4th proficiency testing
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October 2023
Information on 3rd proficiency testing
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October 2023
Report on 2nd proficiency testing
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March 2023
Introduction to total mercury analysis for human biomonitoring samples
Analysis of total mercury in Human Biomonitoring Samples - YouTube
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September 2022
Information on 2nd proficiency testing
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September 2022
Report on 1st proficiency testing
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August 2022
Proficiency test results were shared in a workshop at the International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant
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July 2022
Test results were shared on Minamata Online
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August 2021
Information on 1st proficiency testing