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The ability to make accurate measurements is one of the essential foundations of advanced industrial society. The continuing globalization of trade and economy requires confidence in measurement results of any kind, including chemical measurements. Metrology is defined as “the science of measurements”. It is concerned with the development of a structured support system based on traceable standards. The principles of chemical and physical metrology are unique but the practical application to real chemical measurement problems in a systematic way is different due to great variety and complexity of chemical measurement tasks. To ensure reliable and comparable chemical measurements in the 21st century, the following tasks must be established: use of validated test methods and equipment, procedures for determining measurement uncertainty, procedures and tools for establishing traceability, pure substance reference materials and calibration standards, matrix reference materials, independent evidence of performance (proficiency testing) and quality assurance and quality control. Generation of analytical data in environmental sector, which are “fit for purpose” is designated as “high” priority in the EU. With the large increase in the use of chemicals in industry the potential contamination of air, water ad the general environment has dramatically increased. The major tasks of the proposed project are connected to water analysis: validation of test methods, development of measurement uncertainty evaluation strategies and procedures for establishing measurement traceability of measurement results, development and validation of pre-treatment techniques as a means of managing matrix effects in analytical methods, development of methodology for preparation of proficiency testing material, development of reference measurements for providing reference values in proficiency testing schemes, evaluation of benefits and disadvantages of proficiency testing scheme, operated under reference value, development of methodology for preparation of in-house reference materials, relation of procedures to quality systems according to standards. Development of methodologies will be underpinned by worked examples, which will cover groups of chemical measurements in water and wastewater matrices.
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