Laboratory Duplicates
Typically 10% of the total number of samples analyzed consist of laboratory duplicates and/or laboratory spikes. Certified parameters require laboratory duplicates to be analyzed every 20 samples within an analytical run, regardless of the total number of samples in that batch. The mean of the two values is reported as the concentration for that sample. If a difference of >10% is observed between replicates, then all of the replicates for that particular analytical run are carefully reviewed. If only one of the duplicate pairs is in question, then only that sample is re-analyzed or qualified. If all show a similar trend, then instrumentation/reagent problems are suspected and the analytical run is halted until such time as the problem is resolved. This procedure is practiced for all dissolved analytes, particulate phosphorous and biogenic silica that is not consumed completely in the analytical procedure. For those that are completely consumed and for most particulate analytes, duplicate samples constitute actual duplicate samples collected in the field and analyzed in the same analytical run.
Values for each duplicate analyzed are recorded in a separate QA/QC data file along with the sample number, sample collection date, and analysis date. The mean concentration of the replicates is calculated in this data file.
In the case of particulate carbon and nitrogen and total suspended solids, 10% of the total number of samples are analyzed as duplicates. This generates sufficient quality assurance data to compensate for the omission of laboratory spikes for these non-aqueous samples.
Laboratory duplicates serve as an indicator of instrument stability, consistency in laboratory sample preparation and analysis, as well as an estimate of field proficiency.
Laboratory Spikes
Typically 10% of the total number of samples analyzed consist of laboratory spikes and/or laboratory duplicates. Certified parameters require laboratory spikes to be analyzed every 10 samples within an analytical run, regardless of the total number of samples in that batch. A spike is prepared by adding a known volume of a standard to a known volume of pre-analyzed sample. We routinely add enough concentrated standard to provide a significant response on our instruments that is distinguishable from the original concentration of the sample. This concentrated standard is used to minimize any possible change in the sample matrix by the addition of spike.
The spiked sample is analyzed and its expected concentration calculated as the sum of the original concentration and the spike concentration, normalized for the constituent volumes. A comparison is made between the actual value and the expected value. These concentrations (original, expected and actual) are recorded in a separate QA/QC data file along with sample number, sample collection date, analysis date and the amount of spike added. In the case of particulate phosphorus, the volume filtered is not used in the calculation to determine percentage recovery.
If a value of >120% or <80% (>110% or <90% for select parameters) is observed for percentage recovery of the spike, then all of the spikes for that particular analytical run are carefully reviewed. If only one of the spikes is in question, then only that sample is re-analyzed. If all show poor recovery, then instrumentation/reagent problems are suspected and the analytical run is halted until such time that the problem is resolved. This procedure is adhered to for all dissolved analytes and for particulate phosphorus and biogenic silica.
Documentation of Slopes
A running record of the slopes of the standard curves (the so-called "F," "S" and "K" factors) is maintained for each analysis. Random up and down movement within a predetermined range as a function of time indicates the analysis is under control. Consistent upward or downward movement of these factors indicates the analysis is out of control and requires immediate attention.
Limits of Detection
Limits of detection, the lowest concentration of an analyte that the analytical procedure can reliably detect, have been established for all parameters routinely measured by Nutrient Analytical Services. Dissolved parameter limits of detection are determined in accordance with EPA Definition and Procedure for the Determination of the Method Detection Limit, Revision 2 Method. Particulate parameters limits of detection are determined by the student's t value times the standard deviation of a minimum of seven replicates of a single low concentration sample. Limits of detection are determined annually or if the laboratory believes the sensitivity of the method has changed significantly.
Statements on Instrument Comparability
The Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory develops a data quality maintenance program for each analyte whenever new instrumentation is acquired. It is the policy of the Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory to report any data from new instrumentation only after thorough and satisfactory side-by-side comparisons with existing instrumentation are performed.
No predetermined number of data pairs are used to make the assessment on data comparability between new and existing methodology. Even in the case of instrumentation with similar methods of detection (i.e., automated colorimetric), no specific number of data pairs is used. Comparability at low and high concentrations, salinity and other possible matrix interferences, sensitivity and precision are all factors in determining the number of pairs that must be addressed before bringing an instrument on-line and in determining instrument comparability.
The analyst who performs these comparisons should be experienced, open-minded and impartial. This person can give an evaluation of ease of instrument operation and a very important general statement of comparability. This statement on comparability must then be substantiated via statistical analysis of the data. As previously mentioned, these data must encompass the entire concentration range, matrix interferences, percent recovery, results of standard reference material analyses, etc. The data interpretation must support comparability. The analyst and laboratory QA/QC officer must concur and finally, some sort of presentation (written or verbal) must be given to the contractor explaining what procedure was followed and the results that were obtained to bring this instrument online.
Standard Reference Materials
Particulate Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus: PACS-3 is a marine sediment reference material prepared by the National Research Council of Canada. It is certified by the Council for carbon content, gives a non-certified range of results for phosphorus, but no information for nitrogen. We have analyzed this sediment for many years and maintain a substantial database for nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as carbon values. We analyze this sediment with every run and compare these results to the certified value, non-certified range of values and our historical values.
Dissolved analytes and specific conductance: High quality certified standard reference materials for ammonium, nitrite + nitrate, orthophosphate, dissolved nitrogen, dissolved phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon, silicate, sulfate, chloride, and specific conductance are supplied by Fluka, SPEX Certi Prep, Inorganic Ventures, and SPC Science. The samples arrive in ampules and we prepare final concentrations to approximate typical estuarine concentrations, or the materials are prepared by the vendor to our specifications. Standard reference materials concentrations are prepared such they fall in the middle of the calibration curve. Samples prepared in-house are then placed in pre-cleaned poly bottles and frozen. Standard reference materials must be analyzed at the beginning, end and throughout every run as specified in each individual standard operating procedure. The analysis of frozen standard reference materials as a function of time also provides data on the effect of our preservation technique (freezing) on the integrity of the concentration of samples. The US EPA recommends a holding time of 28 days for many of the parameters we routinely analyze.
Blind Audit
The Chesapeake Bay Blind Audit Program was initiated in 1998 to help agencies and laboratories identify and correct analytical and/or field sampling problems before monitoring data are applied to a long term database and subsequently used to make management decisions. Twice a year, in spring and fall, low-level nutrient samples are prepared by Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory. The samples are then sent to participating laboratories with a set of instructions for analyzing. After results are submitted and reviewed a final report and laboratory comparison is prepared. Each laboratory is then sent a copy of the final blind audit report. Discrepancies are noted and laboratories check their results if they do not have a reported value within the expected range. The Blind Audit Program is funded by the Chesapeake Bay Program and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Eighteen laboratories currently participate in this program.
Split Sample Program
Chesapeake Bay Quarterly split samples are collected and analyzed throughout the year at institutions such as Old Dominion University (ODU), Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), and Horn Point Laboratory (HPL).