British Measurement and Testing Associations’ Conference at WWEM 2014

Addressing a laboratory analysis theme, the British Measurement and Testing Associations’  Conference held on the 6th November at WWEM 2014 will commence with a presentation on proficiency testing by Fran Bilby from UKAS, in which she will discuss key aspects of the UKAS document TPS 47. Hazel Davidson from Derwentside Environmental Testing Services will then describe how lower limits of detection can be achieved by improved instrumentation or by using larger volumes of sample. Hazel’s presentation will also include an examination of good sampling protocols.

Intriguingly, Professor Clive Thompson from ALcontrol will deliver a presentation entitled: ‘Sampling and analysis in relation to Priority Substances Directive 2012/39/EU’ for which he says he will provide “a devil’s advocate response”.

South West Water, in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth and Natural Resources Wales, have developed methods using the Chemcatcher™ passive sampler to monitor for a range of acid herbicides including Mecoprop and MCPA, and the molluscicide Metaldehyde in surface waters. This subject will be addressed by Ian Townsend, Head of South West Water’s Organics Laboratory, who will outline the development of a Chemcatcher-based sampling method for the monitoring of polar pesticides in water.

Kyle Morrris from CSols will outline the advantages of a mobile data capture system that is designed specifically for the UK and European Water Industries, and Bob Poole from Thermofisher Scientific will discuss the key features of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to deliver a fully automated, efficient and intelligent approach to sample receipt and scheduling, resource management, collecting, processing and acting upon results, and securely managing data.

WWEM will run on the 5th and 6th November, delegates to the conference will be able to network with over 120 equipment suppliers, attend over 100 workshops enjoy free lunches and free onsite parking.