To that end, the RHIZOlab project specifically focused on assessing the robustness and reproducibility of the RHIZOtest tool and method, by carrying out a round robin test.

Objectives and programming

The main objective of the RHIZOlab project was to finalize the technical validation of the RHIZOtest tool and method for assessing the phytoavailability of trace elements in contaminated soils. Validation focused on two distinct aspects:

• Assessing the ability of the RHIZOtest tool and method to be transferred to potential users (public and private laboratories). This stage involved providing “RHIZOtest” training for all the participants in the round robin test and was assessed through the ability of the participants to follow the specifications imposed during implementation of the round robin test.
• Assessing the ability of the RHIZOtest tool and method to give robust and reproducible results (i.e. trace element contents or flows in the plant). This phase was assessed through a set of statistical tests carried out on several measured parameters (biomasses, phytoavailability measurements, etc.) during the round robin test carried out in the different participants’ laboratories.

There were eight participants in the round robin test, including four French laboratories and four foreign laboratories.

Laboratories taking part in the round robin test

CIRAD, Recycling and Risk research unit (Coordinator), France
Matthieu Bravin

INERIS, Ecotoxological risk assessment unit, France
Pascal Pandard

INRA, Eco&Sols joint research unit
Philippe Hinsinger

IPL sustainable health, environment, Study and Appraisal Laboratories, France
Yves Barthel

The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Rhizosphere Ecology and Biogeochemistry Group, Autriche
Eva Oburger

Universities of Udine and Bolzano, Italy
Nicola Tomasi and Tanja Mimmo
 
Institute for Ecological Chemistry, Plant Analysis and Stored Product Protection, Germany
Frank Riepert

University of Liège - Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Soil Science Unit, Belgium
Gilles Colinet

Duration and funding

The RHIZOlab project took place over 12 months in 2012. It was funded to the tune of 80 k€ by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME).