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Analytical aspects of the CEEM soil project
H Muntau1, A Rehnert, A Desaules
1Joint Research Centre, Environment Institute, Ispra, Italy. herbert.muntau@jrc.it
The Science of the Total Environment
|February 24, 2001
Summary
This study quantifies sampling errors in environmental analysis, focusing on soil metal determination. Reliable analytical methods and a reference database were established, improving data accuracy for lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Soil Science
Background:
- Data uncertainty assessments in environmental analysis often overlook sampling and pre-analytical steps.
- Quantifying sampling errors requires well-characterized sites, reference laboratories, and robust analytical methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify sampling influences on the determination of lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc in soil.
- To establish reliable analytical methods and a reference database for environmental soil analysis.
Main Methods:
- Collaborative European project involving leading soil analysis laboratories.
- Utilized a well-characterized test site with high metal gradients and differentiated land use.
- Employed wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and solid-state Zeeman AAS for analysis.
Main Results:
- Analytical methods demonstrated stable performance characteristics.
- Measurement quality control confirmed reliability within certified reference material confidence intervals.
- Double-blind tests on split samples showed high agreement, validating the reference database.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully quantified sampling influences on soil metal determination.
- Established reliable analytical methods and a robust reference database for environmental analysis.
- Highlighted the importance of considering sampling in data uncertainty assessments.