Metal speciation-a missing link inn assessing the state of the environment

Methods for determination of presence and/or concentrations of metals in their actual chemical form are to be developed. Knowledge of actual chemical state of elements in the Norwegian environment is currently close to non-existent. Current assessments d o not reveal the presence of toxic compounds such as methyl mercury, zinc pyrithione and hexavalent chromium. The present project initiative contributes to competence building in several topics that are covered by the national priorities such as poll utants and their effects on environment and human health, new pollutants and food safety. Results from the present project initiative have a broad user group. Data on actual chemical form are more relevant than total concentrations and of great import ance for users such as legislators, pollution control authorities, research institutes and universities, fish industry, pharmaceutical industry and food industry. Data on actual chemical form are essential for elucidation of the impact metals have in the different environmental compartments and on human health. Development of reliable analytical methods for metal speciation analysis will enable NILU to provide more relevant data. Competence building within speciation analysis will broaden the Norwegian environmental institutes’ subject area and enable them to meet present and coming challenges. In 2004 the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) received a grant from The Research Council of Norway earmarked purchase of a high resolution mass s pectrometer with a plasma ion source, combined with a high performance liquid chromatograph. NILU is the only environmental research institute in Norway that has this hyphenated technique. Because of its extremely high sensitivity, this instrument is mayb e the most powerful available analytical tool for performance of metal speciation analysis. NILU has broad experience with use of advanced analytical instruments. The laboratory staff consists of 30 people whe