1. Quality Control/Quality Assurance
The chapter delves into the significance of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) in environmental sampling and analysis, emphasizing the importance of precision and accuracy for regulatory compliance and litigation. It discusses various analytical methods used to assess environmental quality, with particular focus on analyte measurement in water, detailing the need for proper sample processing and the potential errors associated with different techniques.
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What we have learnt
- Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) are critical for valid chemical analysis.
- Precision and accuracy are paramount in environmental analysis to support legal accountability.
- Sample processing, including potential interferences, is essential when measuring analytes in various media.
Key Concepts
- -- Quality Assurance (QA)
- A systematic process to ensure that the results of analytical processes are reliable and meet the required standards.
- -- Quality Control (QC)
- A collection of activities designed to ensure that quality standards are maintained during the analytical process.
- -- Hypothesis Testing
- A statistical method used to determine if there is enough evidence in a sample to infer that a certain condition is true for the entire population.
- -- Matrix Interference
- The effect of other constituents in a sample that can interfere with the detection or measurement of the target analyte.
- -- Sample Processing
- The steps taken to prepare a sample for analysis, which may include filtration, dilution, or the transfer of analytes into suitable solvents.
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