Preventing Analytical Problems When Monitoring for Effluent Guidelines Parameters, 2002 Environmental Conference Proceedings

T. Bousquet and D. Cook

As facilities began implementation of their routine effluent guidelines monitoring programs for chloroform, AOX, chlorinated phenolics, and TCDD/TCDF, a number of analytical problems were being reported that impacted the reliability of the analytical data. Two of the methods required for monitoring are new to the contract laboratory community. Therefore, it is more difficult to find laboratories that are experienced with the methods’ unique analytical requirements and it is incumbent on the data user to ensure that the laboratory is conducting the test properly. Bleach plant effluent monitoring is also unique to this regulation and occasional matrix-related problems are being reported. Incorrect identification of the target analyses, failure to meet the method-required minimum level, matrix interferences, inappropriate quantification techniques, and failed QA/QC parameters are some of the problems that have been reported. This presentation discusses ways to avoid common laboratory problems through specific contractual requirements; how to monitor laboratory data to look for bias, erratic performance, or trends that may help to identify potential problems before they occur; and how to review analytical data to ensure data quality.