Examples of Obtained Results:
Trend of Sterols Concentration (µg/g) in Sediments in Qatar
Levels and Trend of Country Mean Conc. of Coprostanol in Sediment of RSA
The obtained results and observations of the Contaminant Screening Activities during the two decades (1994-2005) have been recently discussed in detail and assessed during a Regional Technical Experts Meeting, held in State of Kuwait during October 2009.
The first objectives of the Meeting were to identify the needs and priorities for the future contaminants’ screening activities for the Region and integrate the efforts with the following relevant ongoing and/or planned ROPME Monitoring Programmes:
Another objective of the Meeting was also to establish a mechanism for harmonization of ongoing National Monitoring Programmes with the National and Regional Contaminants Monitoring Objectives and a liaison with relevant International Programmes. The Technical Meeting recommended to update the ROPME Reference Contaminants List with additional contaminants of recent environmental concern in the Region and to continue the Regional Contaminant Screening Programme with a preferred frequency of 5 years in collaboration with ROPME Member States and MEL/IAEA.
In order to strengthen self dependence for Contaminants Screening in the Region. The Regional Experts in the Meeting found necessary to develop Regional Reference Laboratories that provide standards, guidance, training and a dependable analytical facility to the Member States. Regarding monitoring of contaminants in marine environment in the RSA .In response to this important need, ROPME is planning to designate 3 Regional Reference Laboratories for the following main categories of contaminants:
• Organic contaminants
• Inorganic contaminants
• Marine Radiation