The growth of industrial. agricultural and other human activities
has pumped a lot of chemicals into
the environment leading to pollution problems.
With the increase in public
awareness. agencies are carrying
out quantitative measurements on
pollutants. As pollutants are never
present in their pure form. but
form a complex matrix with their
surroundings. several tests have to
be performed to obtain accurate
and precise results on quantitative
analysis. like the Atomic
Absorption Spectrometer or the
Gas Chromatograph tests. The
instruments used in these tests
require standard chemicals to
enable experts to judge the level of
pollution.
India lacks an agency which can
inform laboratories on these reference standards and how to procure
them. Keeping this in mind. the
First National Workshop on
Development and Use of Environmental Reference Materials was
held in New Delhi recently under
the auspices of the Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Establishing of a Reference
Material (RM) Forum was recommended in the workshop to serve
as a primary source of information
for the country. The CPCB was also
urged to support projects for
developing RMs.
It was felt by experts that a
questionnaire should be sent to all
analytical agencies relating to
questions on the type. quality and
quantity of standards required.
and how they procure the same.
Several participants recommended a Nodal Agency which
would associate the private sector
to assure enough fund inflow.
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