EMERGING POLLUTANTS PUSHING THE SKILLS OF THE ANALYST

Since the last meeting in 2006 the pressure on Analysts to monitor everincreasing numbers of compounds, which are suspected (or convicted) of causing health problems to humans and wildlife is increasing. Some of the compounds that were of academic interest in terms of methodology design are now subject to legislation in terms of specific maximum levels, which may be tolerated. New emerging environmentally pollutants (EEP) originate from a variety of sources thus making the task for the analyst more difficult. The practitioners, in tandem with the Instrument manufacturers have risen to meet the challenge and this meeting gave a fascinating overview of where we currently are and, having a vested interest in our environment, in seeing progress on all fronts.