Progress in the quality assurance of environmental trace organic analysis

Abstract

An overview is given on the stepwise learning programmes undlertaken to identify the main sources of error associated with the determination of the mandatory organic contaminants in the marine monitoring programmes. Details are given on the preparation and use of LRMs and CRMs to maintain analytical control and quantify the laboratory errors in relation to the measurement of changes in the environment.

Sediment influence on congener-specific PCB bioaccumulation by Mytilus edulis: a case study from an intertidal hot spot, Clyde Estuary, UK

“…25 The extracts were then reconstituted in 2,2,4-trimethylpentane and two internal standards, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alkyl ethers with alkyl chain C 6 and C 16 , were added. Determination of 22 chlorobiphenyl congeners (CB 31,28,52,49,44,74,70,101,110,149,153,105,138,158,187,128,156,157,180,170,189 and 209) was carried out by GC-ECD with a HP5 column (60 m  0.25 mm id, film thickness 0.25 mm). Calibration of the GC was by internal standard method using point calibration.…”

“…A laboratory reference material was also used, which was a bulk sediment sample from the Garroch Head sewage dump site. 28 Sample detection limits, based on the lowest standard, are shown in the tables of data and are generally o0.06 to 0.09 mg kg À1 (dry), the variability being due to test sample weight.…”