The overall objective of this project is to develop traceable measurement methods for endocrine disrupting chemicals, focusing on three estrogens of the first watch list (17-beta-estradiol (17βE2), 17‑alpha‑ethinylestradiol (17aEE2), and estrone (E1)). Estrogens 17-alpha-estradiol (17aE2) and Estriol (E3) will be included to demonstrate the reliability of the developed methods and to support the requirements of Directive 2013/39/EC, Directive 2009/90/EC and Commission Implementation Decision (EU) 2018/840 hence improve the comparability and compatibility of measurement results within Europe.

The specific objectives of the project are to:

1. Optimise and validate traceable aqueous reference Mass Spectrometry-based methods for the analysis of 5 estrogenic compounds prioritising 3 selected estrogenic compounds 17-beta-estradiol, 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol, and estrone in whole water samples at environmental quality standard (EQS) levels. Methods will have limit of quantification (LOQ) not exceeding 30 % EQS with a measurement uncertainty of ≤50 % at EQS. (WP1, WP2, WP3)
2. Evaluate the interaction and partitioning of 5 estrogenic compounds prioritising 3 selected estrogenic compounds 17-beta-estradiol, 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol, and estrone between water samples and suspended particulate matter (SPM) and the capability of developed methods to address the different fractions of matrix (whole water and dissolved concentrations of estrogens). (WP1, WP3)
3. Develop production methods for aqueous reference materials (RM), which are as close as possible to real water samples, with proven homogeneity, short- and long-term stability. (WP3)
4. Improve the comparability of estrogen measurements with selected Effect-Based Methods (EBM) in whole water samples at EQS level. Methods will have been correctly calibrated and information on uncertainty will be provided. (WP2, WP3)
5. Organise and perform an interlaboratory comparison (ILC) to demonstrate the performance of the developed methods using the reference material (RM) for the selected estrogen substances. (WP3)
6. Contribute to the work of key European and international standardisation organisations e.g. CEN TC 230 and ISO TC 147 ensuring that the outputs of the project are aligned with their needs, communicated quickly to those developing the standards and to those who will use them to support the implementation of directives, and in a form that can be incorporated into the standards at the earliest opportunity. (WP4)