Three inter-laboratory studies were undertaken during the course of the NORMAN project, each of them addressing a different class of emerging substances of particular environmental interest today:

Validation and harmonisation of an analytical methodology for research laboratories: Oestrogens in sewage treatment effluents ;
Validation and harmonisation of an analytical methodology for reference laboratories: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) ;
Validation and harmonisation of an analytical methodology for routine laboratories: brominated flame retardants (DecaBDE) .

The inter-laboratory studies have been designed to match the three levels of maturity addressed by the . The most promising methods have been selected for the inter-laboratory studies on the basis of a review of existing literature and external laboratories from a wide selection of Member States were invited to participate.

All criteria defined in the validation protocols have been applied and the results of the inter-laboratory studies have been used to test and improve the validation protocols and the functioning of the network.

For further information (announcement of meetings, reports, etc.) regarding the NORMAN inter-laboratory studies and other exercises organised in the field of emerging environmental pollutants, go to our .

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