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The importance of measuring what happens in the environment
A new measurement standard has been developed that enables deeper insight into the condition of rivers and their effects on biodiversity.
As Uruguay’s National Metrology Institute (INM), LATU is responsible for the development, maintenance and dissemination of national measurement standards. In chemical measurements, these standards are embodied in Certified Reference Materials (CRMs).
To meet the need for reliable metrological controls for key parameters, LATU’s Chemical Metrology Department submitted and coordinated the project “Precise measurements of dissolved oxygen, phosphorus and chlorophyll in different aquatic environments for the correct evaluation of biodiversity monitoring” to the Regional Fund Quality Infrastructure for Biodiversity and Climate Protection in Latin America and the Caribbean, securing funding from the Physikalisch‑Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB, Germany’s National Metrology Institute).
The objective was to ensure metrological traceability in measurements of chlorophyll, phosphorus and dissolved oxygen by developing reference materials and certified reference materials, and by calibrating sensors used in monitoring.
For phosphorus, the project achieved the development of a certified reference material in a real river‑water matrix—an important advantage because it reproduces the conditions and complexities of environmental samples. In this way, it is possible to provide metrological traceability and strengthen quality control in measurements of this nutrient in real samples.
The project also involved collaboration with the National Metrology Institutes of Argentina (INTI), Ecuador (INEN), Bolivia (IBMETRO) and Peru (INACAL), helping to strengthen environmental monitoring in the region and achieve comparable results at national and international levels.
This advance makes it possible to more accurately assess aquatic resources undergoing eutrophication and its consequences for biodiversity.
How are aquatic ecosystems measured and what do the results show?
Eutrophication is a natural process—or one induced by human activities—in which water bodies accumulate high concentrations of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. This stimulates excessive growth of aquatic plants and algae, affecting water quality and reducing biodiversity.
To describe the trophic status of an aquatic ecosystem, parameters are used that include:
- Chemical: dissolved oxygen; concentrations of dissolved or total inorganic nutrients in the water.
- Biological: chlorophyll a; plant biomass; presence of indicator species.
- Physical: turbidity.
These parameters must be controlled and monitored over long periods and across different geographic locations, which sets important requirements for measurement methods to ensure the comparability of results.
Why is this important for the country and the region?
The availability of this matrix‑matched CRM provides laboratories specializing in water analysis with an invaluable tool to ensure the quality of phosphorus measurements in river‑water samples under conditions that faithfully reflect environmental reality. This contributes to stronger environmental monitoring, the protection of biodiversity, and improved management of water resources across the region.
