The JRC produced a fish reference material certified for its content of two priority substances, hexachlorobenzene and hexacachlorobutadiene. A novel approach for the processing of the fish material was taken by producing a homogenous and stable reference material in the form of a wet paste to mimic a realistic fish sample.
The quality of water is of the highest importance. In sampling the views of European citizens on what they are worried about, nearly half of the respondents are concerned about water pollution (47 %). A report from the European Parliamentary Research Service in 20151 stated that a full implementation of the existing EU water legislation resulting in a good status of all water bodies (rivers, lakes, ground and coastal waters) would generate annual benefits of at least EUR 2,8 billion.
Further details: A new biota reference material to support Member States in better-applying water protection policy