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High-Throughput Measurement and Classification of Organic P in Environmental Samples
Published on: June 8, 2011
United Nations Environment Programme Capacity Building Pilot Project--training and interlaboratory study on
J de Boer1, H Leslie, S P J van Leeuwen
1VU University, Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. jacob.de.boer@ivm.vu.nl
Analytica Chimica Acta
|May 20, 2008
Summary
A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) project trained developing country labs in persistent organic pollutant (POP) analysis. Despite training, lab performance in an interlaboratory study matched 1980s European levels, highlighting the need for ongoing support and networking.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) pose global environmental and health risks.
- Capacity building for POPs analysis in developing countries is crucial for monitoring and regulation.
- Limited access to training and resources hinders accurate POPs analysis in many regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of laboratories in developing countries on Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) analysis.
- To assess the impact of training and simple equipment upgrades on analytical quality.
- To identify key challenges and propose strategies for improving POPs monitoring capabilities.
Main Methods:
- An interlaboratory study involving seven laboratories from five developing countries.
- Analysis of target compounds: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs).
- Training sessions and provision of new Gas Chromatographic (GC) columns to participating laboratories.
Main Results:
- Laboratory performance in POP analysis was comparable to European laboratories in the 1980s.
- High Relative Standard Deviations (R.S.D.s) observed, particularly in sediment samples (>200%).
- Sample cleanup identified as a significant source of error; training and consumables improved results more than instrumentation.
Conclusions:
- Training and investment in basic laboratory consumables (glassware, GC columns) are vital for improving POP analysis quality.
- Establishing international networks, regular interlaboratory studies, and workshops can enhance POP measurement capabilities.
- Sustainable capacity building requires a multi-faceted approach beyond expensive instrumentation.
