Interlaboratory quality audit program for potable water — assessment of method validation done on inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES)

Abstract

In an effort to assess the method validation done using ICP-AES in our laboratory for potable water, an Environmental Laboratory Approval Program organized by New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center providing the reference material has been undertaken for 14 trace elements and seven other chemical constituents. The certified means for the reference material and the results obtained in our laboratory are compared. The comparisons helped us assess the quality of our work. All the data from the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) fall into the ranges specified. These data are intended to depict the quality of chemical analysis being conducted in our laboratory and to increase the level of confidence of our clientele in accepting our test reports. It should be further noted that while the technique may not be new, the model is new and the simultaneous detection of elements required validation for those of our clientele who are only familiar with sequential AAS and AES.