Conclusion of the workshop on “sources of error in methylmercury determination during sample preparation, derivatisation and detection”

The need for quality control of methyl mercury analysis has led the Measurements and Testing Programme (BCR) to organise interlaboratory exercises over the past 5 years with the final aim to produce certified reference. However doubt was casted on the accuracy of reference materials that were certified for methyl mercury. To discuss the recently discoveries regarding artifactual formation of methyl mercury during analysis the workshop on “sources of error in methylmercury determination during sample preparation, derivatisation and detection” was held in Wiesbaden/Mainz (Germany) from 27–29 May 1998. This paper summarises the round-table discussions and expert recommendations based on plenary lectures, as well as an outline of the workshop programme.