Preparation of an estuarine sediment quality control material for the determination of trace metals

Abstract

Quality Control Materials (QCM) have being used routinely in daily laboratory work as a tool to fill the gap between need and availability of Certified Reference Materials (CRM). The QCM are a low-cost alternative to CRMs, and they are in high demand, especially, for the implementation of quality control systems in laboratories of several areas. This paper describes the preparation of a QCM for the determination of trace metals in estuarine sediments and the results of an interlaboratory exercise. Homogeneity and stability studies were performed and analysis of variance was carried out with the results. No statistical significant differences were observed in the concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn between- or within bottle results. Neither the storage nor temperature affected the results. Therefore, the QCM produced is considered homogeneous and stable and can be used for statistical control charts, evaluation of reproducibility and interlaboratory exercises.

Keywords

• quality control material
• sediments
• trace metals