IMEP-115: Determination of methylmercury in seafood - A collaborative trial report

Abstract

A collaborative trial study, IMEP-115, was conducted in accordance with international protocols to determine the performance characteristics of an analytical method for the determination of methyl mercury in seafood. The present exercise was organised in support to the Commission Regulations 1881/2006 and 882/2004. Fifteen laboratories, from ten European countries, registered for participation. All of them are experienced in the direct determination of mercury. Five test items have been selected. Their methyl mercury content was covering a reasonable wide range of concentration levels. All of them are certified reference materials from different producers: The repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) ranged from 4.5 to 12.6 % while the reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) ranged from 8.5 to 24.5 %. The method demonstrates to have acceptable precision for all test materials, thus it should be considered that it fits its intended analytical purpose.