Performance evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons analysis in sediment from proficiency testing with...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Metrology

Background:

• Proficiency testing (PT) is crucial for evaluating laboratory performance.
• Accurate analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment is vital for environmental monitoring.
• Establishing metrological traceability enhances the reliability of PT results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the measurement capability of laboratories analyzing PAHs in sediment samples.
• To assess laboratory performance using a metrological approach with validated reference values.
• To identify areas for improvement in PAH analysis within participating laboratories.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a metrological approach to evaluate laboratory performance in two PT programs.
• Employed an isotope dilution gas chromatography mass spectrometry (ID-GCMS) method for accurate reference value determination.
• Analyzed five specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment samples.

Main Results:

• Approximately 80% of laboratories used gas chromatography, while the rest used liquid chromatography.
• The majority of participating laboratories underestimated PAH concentrations by 13-20% compared to reference values.
• Only 41-44% of laboratories achieved satisfactory z-scores, indicating performance issues.

Conclusions:

• The study revealed significant underestimation of PAHs by participating laboratories.
• Current laboratory capabilities for accurate PAH measurement in sediment require enhancement.
• Reinforcing global laboratory competence in sediment PAH analysis is necessary.