Trace elements, including the PGE (platinum group elements), REE (rare earth elements), and others like Nb, Ta, Ga, In, Ge and Te, are often referred to as technology critical elements or TCEs. The rate of their production and utilisation has particularly increased through their use in high-tech applications. The possible environmental and (eco)toxicological implications of this trend is the object of the EU COST action NOTICE.

The current significant knowledge gaps regarding TCEs environmental levels, fate, and their potential (eco)toxicological impact, are explained, mainly, by their typical ultra-trace concentrations and, to date, TCEs analytical determination is still considered difficult and/or time-consuming. Until the very recent boost in TCEs applications, the study of these elements was not linked to any significant industrial role (apart from some biomedical applications) or products, limiting the assessment of their environmental fate and (eco)toxicological impacts to curiosity-based studies of a handful of scientists. This combination of increasing use and, in turn, unavoidable release, together with their unknown toxicity, makes TCEs emerging inorganic contaminants of substantial concern.

This meeting aims to bring together researchers and stakeholders working on different aspects of TCEs sources, fate and impact in the environment. The meeting is the final meeting of the NOTICE COST action – Network on Technology-Critical Elements: From Environmental Processes to Human Health Threats and includes representatives from 24 European countries.

Participation in the meeting is free and open to all interested but pre-registration is required. Reimbursement of travel and accommodation will be available, totally or partially, by NOTICE COST Action TD1407.

Key dates: 

• Registration and abstract submission open: 1st August 2018
• Abstract submission closing date: 1st December 2018
• Notification of acceptance: 2nd January 2019

Register here 

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