EU_FIN_19NRM07SIHg_AN_Protocols for SI-traceable measurement results of elemental and oxidised mercury concentrations (DTA.AD001.369)

Thematic area

Earth system science and environmental technologies

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute of Atmospheric pollution Research (IIA)

Project manager

ATTILIO NACCARATO
Phone number: 0984493050
Email: [email protected]

Abstract

The aim of this project is to develop metrological traceable protocols for the certification of mercury gas generators used in the field. In this way, the project will achieve significant improvements in the measurement comparability and uncertainty of mercury measurement results. Currently mercury gas generators used in the field are not certified against primary standards and therefore lack traceability. To address this, the project aims to develop and validate certification protocols, traceable to SI-units, for the most important mercury species in gas emission sources and in the atmosphere, thereby supporting the standardisation activities of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

Goals

The overall goal of this project is to develop protocols for SI-traceable calibration, evaluation and certification of elemental mercury (Hg0) and oxidised mercury (HgII) gas generators used in the field.The specific objectives are:-To develop and validate a protocol for the SI-traceable certification of elemental mercury (Hg0) gas generators used in the field based on (1) direct comparison and (2) indirect comparison with the primary mercury gas standard;-To validate a certification protocol for the certification of oxidised mercury (HgII) gas generators used in the field for low mercury concentrations present in the atmosphere and higher concentrations from emission sources;-To organise a performance evaluation to gather data on the characteristics of at least three Hg0 and HgII gas generators on the market;-To support the development of a calibration system for mercury measurements in the atmosphere, as part of the global mercury observation system (GMOS) used to measure the effectiveness of Minamata Convention;-To facilitate the take up of protocols, methods, technology and measurement in the project by the standards developing organisations and and end-users.

Start date of activity

01/10/2020

Keywords

traceable Hg measurements, oxidised mercury, metrological protocols

Last update: 21/05/2025