In the framework of the project: "Development and implementation of analytical tools for the assurance of quality and traceability in the measurements of toxic elements (Hg) in fish of the Amazon", financed by the "Regional Fund for the Quality Infrastructure for biodiversity and climate protection in Latin America and the Caribbean ", two meetings where carried out:
Kick-off Meeting "Definition and harmonization of measurement methods”, where analytical tools for quality assurance and traceability in measurements of toxic elements as Hg in fish of the Amazons. The meeting was held in Bogotá, Colombia, September 11th to 14th, 2018.
A Worshop "Training in classical techniques for measuring Hgtot in fish", November 27th to 30th, 2018 on the National Metrology Center of Mexico (CENAM).
In both events, National Metrology Institutes from the region of the Inter-American Metrology System participated: INACAL (Peru), INEN (Ecuador), INTI (Argentina), INMETRO (Brazil), LACOMET (Costa Rica) and the INM of Colombia as coordinator of the project.
In both events, the MercOx project was presented, where it was explained the objective of the project, related to the develop SI traceable measurements of mercury, for the monitoring and control of mercury (Hg) and its different species in gas emission sources and in the atmosphere.
It was explained, currently, traceable calibration methods only exist for elemental mercury (Hg(0)), however such measurements are also needed for oxidised Hg species i.e. Hg(II) in order to meet the requirements of international regulation and the implementation of the Minamata Convention. The packages involved in the project were presented, and it was explained the participation of CENAM in the W2 package, which consists on the developing methods of measuring Hgtot and Hg2+ in water, particulate matter and in mineral coal.
Maria del Rocio Arvizu Torres
Centro Nacional de Metrología (CENAM), México
