Progress achieved in EURAMET project 21GRD09 MetroPOEM: Metrology for the harmonisation of measurements of environmental pollutants in Europe

The European Green Deal’s ambition for zero pollution requires development of highly sensitive techniques to detect ultra-low amounts of pollutants and determine their isotope ratios, where mass spectrometry is a key method. The project bridges the traceability gap between activity and mass measurements – particularly estimation of mass bias – and establishes new tools for pollutant tracing. SI-traceable reference materials and measurement procedures are being developed that significantly reduce measurement uncertainty and detection limits, to enable tracking pollution sources by commonly available mass spectrometers. This project supports strategies described by the European Metrology Network on pollution monitoring and the established EMN on radiation protection. Main areas of work are: x Development of low-level radionuclide standards for ⁹⁰Sr and a series of actinides, x Development of SI traceable high-precision analytical methods for isotope ratio determination of Li, B, Cr, Cd, Ni, Sb, Pb, and U in environmental matrices applicable to single and multi-collector ICP-MS systems.x Generation of two reference materials – seawater and silica – spiked with radionuclides x Production of certified seawater reference material for isotope ratio to validate analytical methods, support proficiency testing, and ensure quality control in future monitoring.x Communication of project outcomes include peer reviewed papers, good practice guides, workshops, conference presentations and more.