SRM´s in Chemical Monitoring Systems

The need for standards for physical measurements has been recognized as far back as the days of the Egyptian pharaohs and the use of the cubit as a unit of length. Since that time, increased measurement sophistication has led to the need for accurate physical standards of measurement. The development of the metric system and subsequently the International System of Units (SI), has in many ways met the need for primary standards for physical measurements. The accurate measurement of chemical properties is a more recent need. While the chemical measurement system and the network that goes with it borrows heavily from the physical measurement system, it is in many ways more fragmented. This paper explores the use of chemical measurement systems and their role in obtaining and verifying highly accurate and precise measurements over a long period of time. Also included in the discussion is a review of currently available Standard Reference Materials appropriate to ocean science and monitoring.