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Experimental Research Examining How People Can Cope with Uncertainty Through Soft Haptic Sensations

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Top-down evaluation of matrix effects uncertainty.

Carla Palma¹, Vanessa Morgado², Ricardo J N Bettencourt da Silva³

¹Instituto Hidrográfico, R. Trinas 49, 1249-093 Lisboa, Portugal.

|October 24, 2018

Summary

This study introduces a method to quantify matrix effects in chemical analysis, revealing they contribute 7.7% to 79% of overall measurement uncertainty. This helps assess if reducing matrix effects improves accuracy and reduces uncertainty.

Keywords:

Matrix effects Metals Recovery Sediments Uncertainty

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Area of Science:

Analytical Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Metrology

Background:

Matrix effects significantly impact chemical measurement accuracy, causing deviations between different sample types.
Identifying and quantifying matrix effects is crucial for reducing measurement uncertainty and improving analytical method robustness.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and validate a methodology for estimating the percentage contribution of matrix effects to overall measurement uncertainty.
To assess the impact of matrix effects on the uncertainty of trace element analysis in marine sediments.

Main Methods:

A novel methodology was developed to estimate matrix effects by comparing intermediate precision with analyte recovery dispersion across different matrices.
The measurement model was divided into two intervals (below and above 2x limit of quantification) to account for constant absolute and relative uncertainties.
The methodology was applied to analyze Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Ni, and Pb in marine sediments using established OSPAR and EPA3051A procedures.

Main Results:

Matrix effects were found to contribute between 7.7% and 79% to the global measurement uncertainty.
In the higher concentration interval (Interval II), relative expanded uncertainties ranged from 12% to 25%, suitable for environmental sediment monitoring.
The developed measurement uncertainty models demonstrated compatibility with certified reference materials and proficiency test samples.

Conclusions:

The developed methodology provides a reliable way to estimate the contribution of matrix effects to measurement uncertainty.
Quantifying matrix effects aids in optimizing analytical procedures, potentially reducing the need for time-consuming methods like standard addition.
The findings support the robust environmental monitoring of sediments and offer a transferable tool for other chemical analyses.