A new Antarctic certified reference material for trace elements: Adamussium colbecki

The certification of a new reference material for trace elements based on the Antarctic bivalve Adamussium colbecki is reported. This certified reference material (CRM), labelled IRMM 813, was produced in the frame of the Italian National Program for Research in Antarctica (Programma Nazionale di Ricerca in Antartide, PNRA). About 40 kg of the scallop were collected at Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea). The raw material was freeze-dried, jet-milled and homogenized so as to make it suitable for certification. The elements selected for the certification project were As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn. Homogeneity and short- and long-term stability were preliminarily investigated so as to assess the suitability of the freeze-dried mass as a candidate CRM. The candidate material was found to be fit for purpose, thus allowing the following phases of the certification project to be undertaken, in the first place the selection of expert laboratories for the accomplishment of the certification campaign. Eighteen laboratories from twelve countries accepted to participate in the certification project which thus could be successfully completed.