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Uncertainty evaluation of the diffusive gradients in thin films technique
Andreas Kreuzeder1, Jakob Santner, Hao Zhang
1University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna , Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, Institute of Soil Research, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 13, 2015
Summary
This study quantifies measurement uncertainty for diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) techniques. Results show DGT offers reliable monitoring, meeting regulatory standards for environmental analysis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Analytical Chemistry
- Trace Metal Analysis
- Geochemistry
Background:
- The diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique is a powerful tool for in-situ monitoring of contaminants in aquatic environments.
- While DGT's analytical performance is established, a systematic analysis of its measurement uncertainty and contributing factors is lacking.
- Understanding uncertainty is crucial for validating DGT as a regulatory monitoring instrument.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically determine the measurement uncertainties associated with bulk DGT measurements.
- To assess the uncertainties of DGT-based chemical imaging using laser ablation - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).
- To evaluate the suitability of DGT for meeting legal analytical requirements, such as those in the EU Drinking Water Directive.
Main Methods:
- Determination of uncertainties for bulk DGT measurements, excluding labile complexes.
- Quantification of uncertainties for DGT-based chemical imaging analyzed by LA-ICP-MS.
- Controlled experimental conditions to isolate and measure sources of variability.
Main Results:
- Under well-controlled conditions, relative combined uncertainties for bulk DGT measurements were found to be approximately 10% at a 95% confidence interval.
- Several factors contribute to the uncertainty in bulk DGT measurements.
- The uncertainty in DGT LA-ICP-MS is primarily influenced by the signal variability during the ablation analysis.
Conclusions:
- The determined combined uncertainties support the use of DGT as a reliable monitoring instrument.
- DGT sampling is expected to meet the stringent analytical requirements of legal frameworks like the EU Drinking Water Directive.
- This study provides a critical assessment of DGT measurement uncertainty, enhancing its credibility for environmental monitoring applications.
