The participation in interlaboratory studies and the use of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are widely recognised tools for the verification of the accuracy of analytical measurements and they form an integral part of quality control systems used by many laboratories, e.g. in accreditation schemes. As a response to the need to improve the quality of environmental analysis, the European Commission has been active in the past fifteen years, through BCR activity (now renamed Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme) in the organisation of series of interlaboratory studies involving expert laboratories in various analytical fields (inorganic, trace organic and speciation analysis applied to a wide variety of environmental matrices). The BCR and its successor have the task of helping European laboratories to improve the quality of measurements in analytical sectors which are vital for the European Union (biomedical, agriculture, food, environment and industry); these are most often carried out in support of EC regulations, industrial needs, trade, monitoring activities (including environment, agriculture, health and safety) and, more generally, when technical difficulties hamper a good comparability of data among EC laboratories. The collaborative projects carried out so far have placed the BCR in the position of second world CRM producer (after NIST in the USA).Interlaboratory Studies and Certification of Reference Materials for Environmental Analysis gives an account of the importance of reference materials for the quality control of environmental analysis and describes in detail the procedures followed by BCR to prepare environmental reference materials, including aspects related to sampling, stabilization, homogenisation, homogeneity and stability testing, establishment of reference (or certified) values, and use of reference materials. Examples of environmental CRMs produced by BCR within the last 15 years are given, which represent more than 70 CRMs covering different types of materials (plants, biological materials, waters, sediments, soils and sludges, coals, ash and dust materials) certified for a range of chemical parameters (major and trace elements, chemical species, PAHs, PCBs, pesticides and dioxins).The final section of the book describes how to organise improvement schemes for the evaluation method and/or laboratory performance. Examples of interlaboratory studies (learning scheme, proficiency testing and intercomparison in support to prenormative research) are also given.

When an environmental analysis is performed-for example, to determine the quality of water in a lake or to analyze contaminants in fish-it is necessary to have a standard reference against which to compare results. Reference Materials for Environmental Analysis covers standards for environmental analysis in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and elsewhere around the globe. It contains all standards, including those for soil, water, gaseous, and biological analysis. Government, private, and academic laboratories will all need a copy of this book!

There are many academic references describing how RMs are made, but few that explain why they are used, how they should be used and what happens when they are not properly used. In order to fill this gap, the editors have taken the contributions of more than thirty RM practitioners to produce a highly readable text organized in nine chapters. Starting with an introduction to historical, theoretical and technical requirements, the book goes on to examine all aspects of RM production from planning, preparation through analysis to certification, reviews recent development areas, RMs for life analysis and some important general application fields, considers the proper usage of RMs, gives advice on availability and sources of information and lastly looks at future trends and needs for RMs. This book is intended to be a single point of information that both guides the reader through the use of RMs and serves as a primary reference source. It should be on the reading list of anyone working in an analytical laboratory and be found on the library shelf of all analytical chemical laboratories.

Quality assurance (QA) for environmental analysis is a growing feature of the nineties as is illustrated by the number of QA guidelines and systems which are being implemented nowadays. There is, however, often a huge gap between the implementation and respect of QA guidelines and the technical approach undertaken to improve and validate new analytical methods. This is particularly true for complex determinations involving multi-step methodologies such as those used in speciation and organic analyses.Quality assurance may also be considered from the technical point of view, which is the focus of this book. The techniques used in different analytical fields (inorganic, speciation and organic analysis) are critically reviewed (i.e. discussion of advantages and limitations) and existing tools for evaluating their performance are described (e.g. interlaboratory studies, use of certified reference materials). Particular reference is made to the activities of the Measurements and Testing Programme (BCR) of the European Commission towards the improvement of quality control of environmental analysis.The book has been written by experienced practitioners. By its nature, it serves as a practical reference for postgraduate students and environmental chemists who need a wide overview of the techniques used in environmental analysis and existing ways of evaluating the performance of relevant analytical methods. The critical discussions of the methods described, as well as the development of quality assurance aspects, makes it unique.

Combining laboratory experience with research and policy developments, this book provides an insight into the historical background of marine monitoring, its regulatory frameworks and science–policy interactions. With experience in the European Commission, the author draws from practical experience in research and policy implementation to present a concise review of marine monitoring on an international level. The author deals with monitoring and related QA/QC principles, focusing on monitoring types, while describing general features of analytical methods used in marine monitoring. The book concludes with a discussion about how to achieve metrology principles (measurement traceability) in marine monitoring.

This international collection of chapters comprehensively covers different aspects of procedures for speciation analysis at all levels starting from sample collection and storage, through sample preparation approaches to render the species chromatographable, principles of separation techniques used in speciation analysis, to the element specific detection. International renowned editors and contributors Includes coverage of electrochemical methods, biosensors for metal ions, radioisotope techniques and direct solid speciation techniques Provides information on quality assurance and risk assessment, and speciation-relevant legislation Each chapter is a stand-alone reference covering a given facet of elemental speciation analysis written by an expert in a given field with the volume as a whole providing an excellent introductory text and reference handbook.

Quality assurance (QA) has become an increasingly important topic, as environmental monitoring bodies realize that accuracy of measurements can depend very much on how the measurement is taken. This book will describe methods in light of all of the European, US, and international (ISO) guidelines for QA of water analysis. It is the third book in the Water Quality Measurement Series, it tackles the growing problem of developing an international understanding for measurement and data collection. The author gives a detailed overview of: * The purpose of water analysis * Quality systems and quality control * Sources of error including sample contamination * Method validation * Certified reference materials * Data Reporting * Inter-laboratory studies

Quality Assurance in Chemical Measurement, an advanced EURACHEM textbook, provides in-depth but easy-to-understand coverage for training, teaching and continuing studies. The CD-ROM accompanying the book contains course materials produced by ten experienced specialists, including more than 750 overheads (graphics and text) in ready-to-use PowerPoint® documents in English and German language. The book will serve as an advanced textbook for analytical chemistry students and professionals in industry and service labs and as a reference text and source of course materials for lecturers. The second edition has been completely revised according to the newest legislation.

The ongoing progress of science has shown that it is important for analytical scientists to determine not only the presence of particular elements, but also their species. There are many fields where this is applicable, and where there are a number of topics to be addressed. Developing separation and measurement systems for the many element species has tested the resourcefulness of analytical chemists over recent decades. A product of the EU sponsored Speciation 21 Network, this book presents a detailed review of the state-of-the-art of speciation issues in the occupational health, food and environment sectors, along with the main conclusions arising from discussions held during expert meetings. Topics covered include mercury and organotin compounds in the environment; factors affecting the health of workers; the importance of speciation of trace elements for health, and subsequent metabolism in the body; analytical methodologies; risk assessment; and legislation. Trace Element Speciation for Environment, Food and Health provides an insight into applied research in the speciation field and how it has become so important in all the fields represented. With its comprehensive coverage, it will be of particular interest to researchers in industry and academia, as well as government agencies and legislative bodies.

The issue of water quality monitoring is becoming a huge area as the EU requirements for cleaner water increase. On-line monitoring involves measuring a body of water constantly and in-situ as opposed to analysing samples in the lab. Currently filling the gap in the market, Wastewater Quality Monitoring: On-line Methods provides information on how to produce the best analyses of wastewater in order to meet the above mentioned requirements. This reference will prove invaluable to all local water companies, industrial companies producing wastewater, as well as environment agencies and researchers.