Interlaboratory study to improve the quality of trace element determinations in groundwater†

Abstract

In order to control the quality of trace element determinations in groundwater, the Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme (formerly BCR) of the European Commission has started a project of which the final aim is to certify groundwater reference materials for their contents of a range of trace elements (Al, As, Br, Cd, Cu, I, Ni and Pb). The first part of this project consisted of an interlaboratory study which aimed to test the feasibility of preparation of candidate groundwater reference materials and to detect and remove most of the pitfalls observed in trace element determinations. This paper presents the main results of this interlaboratory study carried out prior to the certification campaign of a series of reference materials.