IMTEC: In situ automated monitoring of trace metal speciation in estuaries and coastal zones in relation with the biogeochemical processes

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 00.0119-2

Key words (English)

Gel-integrated voltammetric sensors; trace metals; speciation; continuous monitoring; aquatic systems; Environmental Protection; Measurement Methods; Resources of the Sea; Fisheries

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: EVK3-2000-00036

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.4a.3 Sustainable marine ecosystems

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: Idronaut Srl, Brugherio (I)

Abstract (English)

Coastal ecosystems are threatened by anthropogenic activities and in particular by chemical pollution. Assessment of the impact of chemical pollutants are presently very difficult, because their speciation, i.e. the distribution of the various chemical forms of a given compound, cannot be determined accurately enough or at a sufficiently high time frequency. Development of the novel Multi Physical-Chemical Profiler (MPCP) will provide a unique analytical tool allowing automated trace metal speciation measurements coupled to master variables. Real-time monitoring, as well as detailed temporal/spatial evolution of the distribution of chemical species, will enable us to develop much better predictive models based on biogeochemical processes, to evaluate the impact of human activity on the ecosystem, and therefore to optimise industrial/social developments. The MPCP will also be applicable as early warning system in response of discharge events.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 00.0119-2