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Integration of metrological principles in a proficiency-testing scheme in the field of water analysis

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Abstract

Measurement traceability is universally recognised as one of the basic prerequisites for comparability of results obtained in different laboratories and is a basic aspect of metrological sciences such as analytical chemistry. This requirement is underscored by the increasing adoption of standards and measurement quality systems, such as laboratory accreditation against ISO/IEC 17025. Testing laboratories ensure traceability of their measurement results by using appropriate reference standards for calibration of instruments and control of measurement processes. For routine work in the field of water analysis, these standards are usually commercial solutions or in-house solutions prepared from “pure” products. Therefore, laboratories should demonstrate that their use of reference standards is appropriate and sufficient, which can be done by participation in an appropriate proficiency-testing scheme. The paper reports how measurement traceability of results from field laboratories (nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, chloride and sulphate; all in water) can be demonstrated by participation in a proficiency-testing scheme based on reference values.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia (Project J2-6107-0104). The National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Laboratory for Chemistry, Biology and Technology of Water, is holder of the national reference etalon, based on the authorisation and co-founding of the Metrological Institute of the Republic of Slovenia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, P.O. Box 660, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Andreja Drolc, Magda Cotman & Milenko Roš

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  1. Andreja Drolc
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  2. Magda Cotman
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  3. Milenko Roš
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Correspondence to Andreja Drolc.

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Drolc, A., Cotman, M. & Roš, M. Integration of metrological principles in a proficiency-testing scheme in the field of water analysis. Anal Bioanal Chem 382, 1311–1319 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-005-3264-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-005-3264-7

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