Promoting the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury｜Activities of NIMD

Laboratory proficiency testing for mercury

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.

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 15, 2025	By April
Results announcement	August 2022	October 2023	April 2025	July 2025
Final report	September 2022	October 2023	May 2025	July 2025