Environmental quality standards heavy metals

Reference ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) CCME (1999a) Lepper (2005) and environmental quality standards (EQSs) Substance data sheets for the EU priority substances (available at http //forum.europa.eu.int/ Public/irc/env/wfd/library l= /framework directive/i-priority substances/supporting background/ substance sheets vm= detailed sb= Title) Procedures for the Derivation of Equilibrium Partitioning Sediment Benchmarks (ESBs) for the Protection of Benthic Organisms. Consult http // www.epa.gov/nheerl/ publications/ for these procedures for PAH mixtures, dieldrin, endrin, and heavy metals. 

First it needs to be pointed out that Sweden is considered to be a very progressive nation in the area of chemical policy. The country initiated a comprehensive Chemicals Act already in 1985, and has a separate Chemicals Agency with considerable resources and with extensive powers at its disposal. Sweden has been a pioneer in setting strict standards for heavy metals and other chemicals, and has often been an early mover when it comes to regulation of chemicals in articles. Sweden has also been a strong promoter of policies that would promote more and improved information about different substances. Sweden has also set its own independent national targets related to chemicals in the system of national Environmental Quality Objectives, which may be consulted at http //www.miljomal.nu/Environmental-Objectives-Portal/. 

Accuracy and precision - in respect to LASMA s implementation in environmental screening and monitoring of heavy metal contamination, the requirement for measurement precision is not decisive. The accuracy depends on the quality of the reference material. Two approaches are possible - to use commercial reference samples (Atomic standard solutions of metals and powder standards) or to prepare sets of reference samples with elemental compositions, not available on the market. Another possibility is to use the chemical matrix of clearly defined soil types [Zimmermann, 1989],... 

Today it is common scientific understanding, that the environmental behavior of chemicals, like heavy metals, i.e. their reactivity, mobility, and availability in ecosystems, as well as possible effects (in terms of biological harm or benefit), strongly depend on their particular form (Forstner and Wittmann 1979). It is also realized that the toxicity of pollutants in natural systems may be higher (or lower) than what is predicted by quality criteria. Emission and exposure standards, still based on total concentrations, do not account for the significant differences existing between the various single forms of an element. 

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