title: Characterisation of trace elements and methylmercury in an estuarine sediment reference material, IAEA-405.
abstract: An estuarine sediment sample, IAEA-405, was recently characterised for trace elements and methylmercury (MeHg) for ultimate use as a marine reference material. The reference values were calculated using data sets from 120 laboratories that participated in a world-wide intercomparison exercise. The data evaluation is highlighted, and includes comparisons of different analytical methods, as well as the distribution of data. Overall laboratory performance for this exercise was encouraging: 86 laboratories (72%) reported data with <25% outliers. There was sufficient acceptable data to establish recommended values for 17 elements and information values for a further 15 elements. In addition, a recommended value was established for methylmercury. The estuarine sediment sample, IAEA-405, can be used as a reference material for quality control in the determination of trace elements and methylmercury in moderately polluted sediments.
authors.affiliation: International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratory, B.P. 800, MC-98012, Monaco.
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Wyse
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coquery
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Azemard
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: de Mora
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D012016:Reference Values; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D014131:Trace Elements; D014873:Water Pollutants