India hosted the International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP) for the first time in its 36-year history, bringing together scientists, policymakers and researchers from 26 countries at IIT Hyderabad from October 4 to 9.
The 17th edition of the conference focused on a decade of enforcement of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, examining contamination, atmospheric emissions, ecosystem health and human exposure. Discussions also explored how scientific findings could inform environmental policies.
The conference was jointly chaired by IIT Hyderabad professor Asif Qureshi and Dr Jagannath Biswakarma of the University of Bristol. The World Health Organization participated in the conference series officially for the first time, with Dr Elena Jardan of its Chemical Safety and Health Unit leading a plenary session on mercury exposure, biomonitoring and public health responses. Monika Stankiewicz, executive secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, also addressed the role of research in international efforts to control mercury pollution.
A key contribution came from Japanese Minamata disease patient and storyteller Masami Ogata, who spoke about the lasting human and social consequences of industrial mercury contamination. His account highlighted the legacy of mercury discharge into Japan’s coastal waters and the importance of preventing similar incidents.
Researchers from several countries, including South Africa, China, Russia, Brazil and Argentina, discussed mercury pollution, toxicology, aquatic ecosystems and monitoring challenges. Participants highlighted gaps in long-term monitoring and emissions data, particularly in developing economies.
Northeast India featured in discussions on pollution and biodiversity conservation. Researchers from Nagaon University in Assam presented findings on mercury contamination in agricultural soils and crops, while Dr Farishta Yasmin of the university served on the conference’s Scientific Steering Committee.
The discussions also drew attention to Assam’s historical coal-mining activities in the Makum coalfield, which date back to the late 19th century. Waste from high-sulphur coal mining can release heavy metals, including mercury, into the environment, raising concerns about soil, water quality, food safety and public health in the Brahmaputra basin.
During the valedictory session, Gumjum Haider from Arunachal Pradesh highlighted community-led biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Himalayas, including efforts to protect the endangered Bugun liocichla at the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve and conserve hornbills near Pakke Tiger Reserve.
The conference, which began in Sweden in 1990, received support from the Telangana government and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Eleven student researchers received awards for their poster presentations.
Organisers said the discussions and partnerships established at the event would contribute to international efforts to tackle mercury pollution and strengthen links between scientific research and policymaking.
