Mercury is the only metal element which is liquid at room temperature and can easily evaporate.
Mercury emitted into the environment from a variety of sources circulates on the earth, remaining in soil, sea and groundwater without decomposing after 1-2 years of retention.
Japan consumed around 2,500 tons of mercury per annum at the peak, before mercury’s toxicity was properly acknowledged. Since then, it has been replaced by alternate products/technologies and demand for mercury usage in Japan has decreased to about 5 tons. Yet in some countries, mercury is still widely used, and there is a need to measure mercury concentration in the water, as well as looking for ways to reduce mercury usage.
Nippon Instruments Corporation (NIC – a Rigaku company) developed the Reducing Vaporization Mercury Analyzer RA series. For the first time in the world, this analyzer fully automates the 10 steps needed for preparation and measurement of samples including tap water, factory wastewater, and soils. In 2023, this innovative product won the “Excellence Award” at the 50th Environmental Awards, sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment Japan, for its multiple benefits of decreasing environmental impact (less chemicals use; less waste generated; less power consumption) and also for its value for money.
The analyzer uses a high-sensitivity detector which can detect mercury concentration of less than 1/10 of the environmental standards level, enabling analysis based on a sample volume as little as 5 mL. Waste disposal is reduced by 50%, power consumption decreased by 30% (emission decreased by about 51 kg/year in CO₂ terms: measurement condition assuming a use of three times/week and 150 times/year, per system), and measuring time is shortened by around 20% compared with the existing analyzer. NIC’s mercury analyzers have been exported to over 60 countries through our global sales network.
NIC also contributes to the management and reduction of mercury in the environment through technical cooperation projects with Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, and with UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), and conducts educational outreach initiatives.
Click here for details of RA-7000A Series