Consistency and uncertainty of UK measurements of mercury in precipitation

A novel method to assess the uncertainty of measurement of mercury in precipitation for the UK’s Heavy Metals Monitoring Network is presented. The method makes use of the fact that, because of the high risk of sample contamination, samples are taken in duplicate in order to ensure valid data is available for as many sampling periods as possible. Where both samples are valid a good opportunity is afforded to use the statistical differences in the rain volumes sampled and the mercury concentrations measured to assess the overall uncertainty of the measurement. This process has produced estimated uncertainties in good agreement with previous studies and well within the limits specified by European legislation. The work also highlighted an effective method to spot outliers in the paired samples at the data ratification stage. A novel method to assess the uncertainty of measurement of mercury in precipitation is presented. [Display omitted] •Novel method to assess the uncertainty of measurement of mercury in precipitation.•Duplicate samples allow statistical analysis of rain volumes and mercury concentrations.•Estimated uncertainties in good agreement with previous studies.•Results demonstrate compliance with limits specified by European legislation.•Provides confidence in measurement of mercury in the ecosystem and hydrosphere.