TY - JOUR A1 - Elordui-Zapatarietxe, S. A1 - Fettig, Ina A1 - Philipp, Rosemarie A1 - Gantois, F. A1 - Lalère, B. A1 - Swart, C. A1 - Petrov, P. A1 - Goenaga-Infante, H. A1 - Vanermen, G. A1 - Boom, G. A1 - Emteborg, H. T1 - Novel concepts for preparation of reference materials as whole water samples for priority substances at nanogram-per-liter level using model suspended particulate matter and humic acids N2 - One of the unresolved issues of the European Water Framework Directive is the unavailability of realistic water reference materials for the organic priority pollutants at low nanogram-per-liter concentrations. In the present study, three different types of ready-to-use water test materials were developed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tributyltin (TBT) at nanogram-per-liter levels. The first type simulated the dissolved phase in the water and comprised of a solution of humic acids (HA) at 5 mg L-1 dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and a spike of the target compounds. The second type of water sample incorporated the particulate phase in water. To this end, model suspended particulate matter (SPM) with a realistic particle size was produced by jet milling soil and sediments containing known amounts of PAHs, PBDEs and TBT and added as slurry to mineral water. The most complex test materials mimicked 'whole water' consequently containing both phases, the model SPM and the HA solution with the target analytes strongly bound to the SPM. In this paper, the development of concepts, processing of the starting materials, characterisation of the HA and model SPMs as well as results for homogeneity and stability testing of the ready-to-use test materials are described in detail. KW - Slurry KW - PBDE KW - PAH KW - TBT KW - Reference materials KW - Suspended particulate matter KW - Whole water KW - Water Framework Directive PY - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-014-8349-8 SN - 1618-2642 SN - 1618-2650 VL - 407 IS - 11 SP - 3055 EP - 3067 PB - Springer CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-33087 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Elordui-Zapatarietxe, S. A1 - Fettig, Ina A1 - Richter, Janine A1 - Philipp, Rosemarie A1 - Vanermen, G. A1 - Monteyne, E. A1 - Boom, G. A1 - Emteborg, H. T1 - Preparation and evaluation of sufficiently homogeneous and stable reference materials for priority hazardous substances in whole water N2 - We have prepared and evaluated three whole water test materials containing eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), six polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tributyltin (TBT) with respect to homogeneity and short-term stability. The test materials were used as samples in two inter-laboratory comparisons. The materials were composed of natural mineral water and model suspended particulate matter (SPM) containing the target compounds at ng L-1 levels. The expanded uncertainty of the estimated mass concentrations in the final test materials was obtained by combining contributions from the homogeneity, the stability and the model SPM characterization. The whole water materials were sufficiently homogeneous and stable at 4 °C for their intended use. In total, 12 out of 15 investigated target parameters could be assessed to be present with a relative combined expanded uncertainty below 25 %. The outcome of the two interlaboratory comparisons confirmed the good quality of the test materials and the level of uncertainties associated with the estimated mass concentrations. These findings are an important contribution towards the development of whole water matrix reference materials certified for PAH, PBDE and TBT in support of the Water Framework Directive of the European Union. KW - Reference material KW - Referenzmaterial KW - Water Framework Directive KW - Wasserrahmenrichtlinie KW - Whole water sample KW - Gesamtwasserprobe PY - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-015-1189-1 SN - 0949-1775 SN - 1432-0517 VL - 21 IS - 2 SP - 113 EP - 120 PB - Springer AN - OPUS4-35728 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Richter, Janine A1 - Elordui-Zapatarietxe, S. A1 - Emteborg, H. A1 - Fettig, Ina A1 - Cabillic, J. A1 - Alasonati, E. A1 - Gantois, F. A1 - Swart, C. A1 - Gokcen, T. A1 - Tunc, M. A1 - Binici, B. A1 - Rodriguez-Cea, A. A1 - Zuliani, T. A1 - Gonzalez Gago, A. A1 - Pröfrock, D. A1 - Nousiainen, M. A1 - Sawal, G. A1 - Buzoianu, M. A1 - Philipp, Rosemarie T1 - An interlaboratory comparison on whole water samples N2 - The European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC requires monitoring of organic priority pollutants in so-called whole water samples, i.e. in aqueous nonfiltered samples that contain natural colloidal and suspended particulate matter. Colloids and suspended particles in the liquid phase constitute a challenge for sample homogeneity and stability. Within the joint research project ENV08 ‘‘Traceable measurements for monitoring critical pollutants under the European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC’’, whole water test materials were developed by spiking defined amounts of aqueous slurries of ultrafinely milled contaminated soil or sediment and aqueous solutions of humic acid into a natural mineral water matrix. This paper presents the results of an European-wide interlaboratory comparison (ILC) using this type of test materials. Target analytes were tributyltin, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the ng/L concentration range. Results of the ILC indicate that the produced materials are sufficiently homogeneous and stable to serve as samples for, e.g. proficiency testing or method validation. To our knowledge, this is the first time that ready-to-use water materials with a defined amount of suspended particulate and colloidal matter have been applied as test samples in an interlaboratory exercise. These samples meet the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive. Previous proficiency testing schemes mainly employed filtered water samples fortified with a spike of the target analyte in a water-miscible organic solvent. KW - Water Framework Directive KW - Wasserrahmenrichtlinie KW - Interlaboratory comparison KW - Ringversuch KW - Whole water sample KW - Gesamtwasserprobe PY - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-015-1190-8 SN - 0949-1775 SN - 1432-0517 VL - 21 IS - 2 SP - 121 EP - 129 PB - Springer AN - OPUS4-35730 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Cordeiro, F. A1 - Llorente-Mirandes, T. A1 - López-Sánchez, J.F. A1 - Rubio, R. A1 - Sánchez-Agullo, A. A1 - Raber, G. A1 - Scharf, Holger A1 - Vélez, D. A1 - Devesa, V. A1 - Fiamegos, Y. A1 - Emteborg, H. A1 - Seghers, J. A1 - Robouch, P. A1 - De la Calle, M.B. T1 - Determination of total cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury and inorganic arsenic in mushrooms: outcome of IMEP-116 and IMEP-39 N2 - The Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), a Directorate General of the European Commission, operates the International Measurement Evaluation Program (IMEP). IMEP organises inter-laboratory comparisons in support of European Union policies. This paper presents the results of two proficiency tests (PTs): IMEP-116 and IMEP-39, organised for the determination of total Cd, Pb, As, Hg and inorganic As (iAs) in mushrooms. Participation in IMEP-116 was restricted to National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) officially appointed by national authorities in European Union member states. IMEP-39 was open to all other laboratories wishing to participate. Thirty-seven participants from 25 countries reported results in IMEP-116, and 62 laboratories from 36 countries reported for the IMEP-39 study. Both PTs were organised in support to Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006, which sets the maximum levels for certain contaminants in food. The test item used in both PTs was a blend of mushrooms of the variety shiitake (Lentinula edodes). Five laboratories, with demonstrated measurement capability in the field, provided results to establish the assigned values (Xref). The standard uncertainties associated to the assigned values (uref) were calculated by combining the uncertainty of the characterisation (uchar) with a contribution for homogeneity (ubb) and for stability (ust), whilst uchar was calculated following ISO 13528. Laboratory results were rated with z- and zeta (ζ)-scores in accordance with ISO 13528. The standard deviation for proficiency assessment, σp, ranged from 10% to 20% depending on the analyte. The percentage of satisfactory z-scores ranged from 81% (iAs) to 97% (total Cd) in IMEP-116 and from 64% (iAs) to 84% (total Hg) in IMEP-39. KW - Inorganic arsenic KW - Trace elements KW - Mushrooms KW - Proficiency test PY - 2015 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-326092 SN - 1944-0057 SN - 1944-0049 VL - 32 IS - 1 SP - 54 EP - 67 PB - Taylor & Francis CY - London [u.a.] AN - OPUS4-32609 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Elordui-Zapatarietxe, S. A1 - Fettig, Ina A1 - Richter, Janine A1 - Philipp, Rosemarie A1 - Gantois, F. A1 - Lalère, B. A1 - Swart, C. A1 - Emteborg, H. T1 - Interaction of 15 priority substances for water monitoring at ng L-1 levels with glass, aluminium and fluorinated polyethylene bottles for the containment of water reference materials N2 - Certified water reference materials are currently not available for most of the hydrophobic organic pollutants listed in the EU Water Framework Directive. To find the most suitable container type for subsequent reference material productions, feasibility studies for the preparation of waters with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tributyltin (TBT) close to environmental quality standards in water have been performed. Due to the hydrophobic nature of these compounds and their tendency to adsorb onto container walls, an adequate selection of the most appropriate material for containment, storage and transport of water reference materials is crucial. Three different materials (aluminium, amber glass and fluorinated polyethylene, FPE) and three volumes (500/600 mL, 1000/1200 mL and 2000/3000 mL, depending on commercial availability) were tested at ng L-1 level of the target compounds. FPE shows by far the highest loss of analytes due to adsorption onto the container walls for all compounds studied. Aluminium and glass are equally suited for PAHs and PBDEs, but aluminium is unsuitable as container material for TBT due to acid cleaning requirements. The volume of the containers had no dramatic effect on the adsorption behaviour of target compounds for the different volumes tested. KW - Water framework directive KW - Reference materials KW - Hydrophobic organic pollutants KW - Bottles KW - Adsorption KW - Glass KW - Aluminium KW - Fluorinated polyethylene PY - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-015-1150-3 SN - 0949-1775 SN - 1432-0517 VL - 20 IS - 6 SP - 447 EP - 455 PB - Springer CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-34946 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Emteborg, H. A1 - Florian, D. A1 - Choquette, S. A1 - Ellison, S. L. R. A1 - Fernandes-Whaley, M. A1 - Mackay, L. A1 - McCarron, P. A1 - Panne, Ulrich A1 - Sander, S. G. A1 - Kim, S.-K. A1 - Held, A. A1 - Linsinger, T. A1 - Trapmann, S. T1 - Cooperation in publicly funded reference material production N2 - The meeting was organised by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and held at the JRC-Geel site on 22–23 February 2018. It was a follow-up of a similar meeting held in 2009. The objective of the meeting was to exchange information about ongoing publicly funded reference material (RM) production, identify areas of interest for future specific RMs, including certified reference material (CRM) developments, investigate potential areas of collaboration, and to identify areas which may be of a lower importance in the future for a specific RM producer. The benefit of exchanging such information is to avoid duplication of efforts in RM production, make better use of public funds by potentially matching competencies, and to address problems that are common to publicly funded RM producers. T2 - Meeting regarding cooperation in publicly funded reference material production, European Commission's Joint Research Centre CY - Geel, Belgium DA - 22.02.2018 KW - Public funding KW - Reference materials PY - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-470206 SN - 0949-1775 SN - 1432-0517 VL - 23 IS - 6 SP - 371 EP - 377 PB - Springer CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-47020 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Andrzejuk, W. A1 - Bau, A. A1 - Charoud-Got, J. A1 - de Vos, P. A1 - Emteborg, H. A1 - Lamberty, A. A1 - Linsinger, T. A1 - Oostra, A. A1 - Quetel, C. A1 - Roebben, G. A1 - Tresl, I. A1 - Hearn, R. A1 - Wood, S. A1 - Pritzkow, W. A1 - Vogl, Jochen T1 - Certification of the sulfur mass fraction in three commercial petrol materials - Certified reference materials ERM-EF211, ERM-EF212 and ERM-EF213 N2 - Three petrol reference materials were certified for their total sulfur content in support of Directive 2003/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the European Council, which stipulates that petrol with a maximum S content of 10 mg/kg must be available in all member states by 2009. Commercially available petrol was obtained and filled into borosilicate ampoules without further treatment. Homogeneity of the materials was tested and no heterogeneity was detected for two of the materials, whereas minor heterogeneity was observed for the third material. Stability of the materials was tested for 8-12 months at 60 °C and no degradation was observed. Characterisation was based on isotope-dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) applied as primary method of measurement by three European metrology institutes and certified values were assigned using all results. The certified uncertainties include contributions of (potential) heterogeneity, potential degradation as well as characterisation. The final assigned values are: ERM-EF211: 48.8 ± 1.7 mg/kg ERM-EF212: 20.2 ± 1.1 mg/kg ERM-EF213: 9.1 ± 0.8 mg/kg The materials are available from IRMM (ERM-EF211), LGC (ERM-EF212) and BAM (ERMEF213) KW - Sulfur KW - Petrol KW - IDMS PY - 2007 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-355804 SN - 978-92-79-05370-2 SN - 1018-5593 SP - 1 EP - 37 PB - European Communities CY - Luxembourg AN - OPUS4-35580 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Linsinger, T. A1 - Andrzejuk, W. A1 - Bau, A. A1 - Charoud-Got, J. A1 - De VOs, P. A1 - Emteborg, H. A1 - Hearn, R. A1 - Lamberty, A. A1 - Oostra, A. A1 - Pritzkow, Wolfgang A1 - Quétel, C. A1 - Roebben, G. A1 - Tresl, I. A1 - Vogl, Jochen A1 - Wood, S. T1 - Production of three certified reference materials for the sulfur content in gasoline (petrol) N2 - Directive 2003/17/EC of the European Parliament and the European Council stipulates that petrol (gasoline) with a total sulfur content below 10 mg kg-1 must be available in all European Union member states by 2009. Three certified reference materials were produced in support of this directive in a joint effort of the members of the European Reference Materials Initiative (ERM). Two of the materials were made from commercial petrol, while the third one was prepared from a blend of commercial petrols. Relative between-ampule heterogeneity of the materials was quantified and found to be below 2.5%. Potential degradation during storage and dispatch was quantified, and shelf lives based on these values were set. The three materials were characterized by three institutes using different variants of isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. The results from the three institutes were combined, and the final uncertainties of the respective sulfur mass fractions were estimated including contributions from heterogeneity, stability, and characterization. The following mass fractions were derived: ERM-EF211, 48.8 ± 1.7 mg kg-1; ERM-EF212, 20.2 ± 1.1 mg kg-1; and ERM-EF213, 9.1 ± 0.8 mg kg-1. KW - CRM KW - IDMS KW - ERM PY - 2007 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1021/ef070155t SN - 0887-0624 SN - 1520-5029 VL - 21 IS - 4 SP - 2240 EP - 2244 PB - ACS Publ. CY - Washington, DC AN - OPUS4-16371 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -