TRENDS IN SURFACE-WATER ANALYSIS - CONCLUSIONS OF THE WORKSHOP

The analysis of surface water for the determination of toxic elements and organic compounds is nowadays required in the frame of some EC Directives for the monitoring of the quality of the environment. The need for a good quality control of surface water analysis has led the Measurements and Testing Programme (BCR) to organize series of interlaboratory exercise over the last ten years. The projects included the preparation of certified reference materials for the improvement and quality assurance of these determinations. However, the control of the quality of critical analytical steps such as e.g. sample collection and storage has not been considered in classical interlaboratory studies. It was deemed necessary to critically examine the present state of the art of surface water analysis, to investigate where limitations exist and to discuss the trends that can be expected in a near future. The workshop on Trends in Surface Water Analysis held in Lisbon allowed to make recommendations based on round-table discussions. The participants in these discussions are listed in the Annex.