Conclusions of the workshop—improvements of trace element determinations in plant matrices

Analysis of plant matrices for the determination of trace elements is required in many national and EC regulations for monitoring the quality of the environment and feedstuffs. The need for quality control of plant analysis has led the Measurements and Testing Programme (BCR) to organize a series of interlaboratory exercises over the last 10 years of which the final aim was to produce certified reference materials for improving quality control of trace elements. However, controlling the quality of critical steps such as sample collection and preparation has never been considered in the frame of classical interlaboratory studies. It was deemed necessary to critically discuss the state of the art of plant analysis, including operations carried out in the field, to investigate where limitations exist and to discuss ways to improve the quality of the measurements. The workshop on Improvements of Trace Elements in Plant Matrices held in Brussels on 29–31 May 1994 made it possible to make recommendations based on plenary lectures and round-table discussions. An outline of the programme and the panel of experts participating in this workshop are given in the Appendices.