MUSSEL TISSUE (T-31) - A NEW ANALYTICAL QUALITY-CONTROL MATERIAL FOR THE DETERMINATION OF MERCURY AND ARSENIC IN MUSSELS

The use of filter-feeding molluscs for the monitoring of selected cont aminant levels in the marine environment is well-known in the scientif ic community. In order to assure the quality of those analysis and to prepare laboratories for accreditation procedures certified reference materials and proficiency testing campaigns were introduced. However, there is still a need for the introduction of suitable analytical qual ity materials of high quality which can be used on a daily basis. This paper therefore describes the preparation of a mussel tissue material for the internal quality control of Hg and As analysis in bivalves, a s well as the principle of preparation and the analytical characterisa tion of such a material. The total concentration for arsenic (8.98 +/- 0.67 mu g/g) and mercury (0.169 +/- 0.005 mu g/g) was determined by t he use of different techniques. Additionally, indicative values for ma jor constituents (C, H, N, Na, Cl, P. S, K, Mg, Ca, Si, Fe, Al, Br, Zn , Sr) and some trace elements (Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni) were measured.