Inter-laboratory comparison of methods used for analysing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil samples

Summary

In view of the investigation of contaminated model sites in Baden-Württemberg an inter-laboratory comparison was organized for the methods used for analysing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The laboratories performing chemical and physical analyses at the model sites participated at the request of the Landesanstalt für Umweltschutz, Baden-Württemberg. This inter-laboratory comparison was meant as a first laboratory evaluation, and not as the search for the best method available. Furthermore, it was to show the difficulties in comparing results from different laboratories, which have analysed identical samples. The results of the inter-laboratory comparison between the nine laboratories showed a reproducibility coefficient of variation, for the total of the 16 PAHs according to the EPA, between 48.8 and 61.1% in the concentration range of 5 to 55 mg/kg in the soil samples. One of the laboratories reported significantly lower values compared with the “true value”. This was probably due to an ill-suited (sample) preparation method. Although the results of the inter-laboratory comparison are, in general, satisfactory, the reproducibility can be improved by standardizing the analytical method for the determination of PAHs in solid environmental samples.