AWWA WQTC58854

AWWA WQTC58854 Field and Laboratory Quality Control Procedures and Data Censoring Method for MTBE and Other VOCs in a National Assessment
Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 11/02/2003

Koch, Bart; Dale, Melissa

More info

Full Description

A nationwide survey was conducted of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), other ethergasoline oxygenates, and other volatile organic compounds in drinking-water sources in theUnited States. This survey involved a large sampling effort and quality-control procedures wereutilized to ensure the accuracy of the data. A data acceptance strategy was developed to evaluateall processes of the project from preparation of the sample bottles, through sample collection,and laboratory analysis. Two data acceptance strategies were conducted: initial validation ofthe laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC); and, data validation of the fieldQA/QC. The initial data validation involved evaluation of the data with standard laboratoryQA/QC to censor the data based on detection/reporting levels and laboratory contamination. Thedata validation with field QA/QC involved evaluation of the data with the field blanks to censorfor random contamination. These strategies provide a conservative approach to reportingenvironmental data from an occurrence study. Includes 10 references, table, figures.