The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has announced the organization of the 37th Analytical Quality Control (AQC) Exercise for environmental laboratories across India. This program, scheduled for January 2025, aims to ensure the accuracy and reliability of environmental data by testing laboratories’ ability to analyze water and soil samples for various chemical and physical parameters.
The 37th AQC exercise will focus on the following:
- Metal Parameters:
- Water (Lower Range): Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn)
- Water (Higher Range): The same nine metals as lower range.
- Soil: Arsenic (As)
- Physicochemical Parameters: Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, Chloride, Nitrate-N, Fluoride, Phosphate-P, Sodium, Conductivity, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biological Oxygen Demand, and Ammonia-N.
Participation and Fee Details
Environmental laboratories recognized under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and labs belonging to CPCB, SPCBs, PCCs, and PSUs are eligible to participate.
Key Dates and Information
Laboratories must confirm their participation and submit online transaction details for the AQC fee by January 3rd, 2025.
Fee Structure:
- Government/Semi-Government/Public Sector/Autonomous Laboratories: ₹23,600 (including GST)
- Private Laboratories: ₹35,400 (including GST)
Submit confirmation of participation, fee details, and a WhatsApp number via email only to aqc.cpcb@gov.in.
Bank Details:
- Account Name: CPCB AQC PARTICIPATION FEE
- Account Number: 532702010011543
- IFSC Code: UBIN0553271
- Bank Name: Union Bank of India
Importance of AQC Exercise
The AQC Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining reliable environmental data. By participating, laboratories demonstrate their competency in analyzing water and soil samples, ensuring the accuracy of data used for monitoring pollution levels and informing environmental policy decisions.
Late fee submissions will not be considered. The CPCB advises laboratories to register and submit fees by the deadline to avoid any inconvenience.
