It is increasingly recognized that the greatest risks of error in environmental analysis lie in the sample preparation rather than the analysis stage. This book describes the precautions that must be taken from the sampling to the sample pretreatment via the storage stage to assure good quality. Typical pitfalls - and recommendations for avoiding them - are discussed. Special emphasis is given to the monitoring of trace contaminants in environmental matrices (e. g., water, sediment, plants, air).
This book, based on the experience of specialists, constitutes an invaluable guide to the quality assurance relevant to environmental chemists.
About the Author
Philippe Quevauviller has published more than 200 papers and several books linked to environmental quality measurements. He joined the Research General-Directorate of the European Commission in 1989 where he was scientific officer on topics dealing with the quality control of environmental analysis. Since 2002, he has integrated the Water & Marine Unit of the EC Environment Directorate-General where is now responsible for the development of a new Groundwater Directive which will complement the existing water policy framework. He is part-time professor at the K.U.Leuven where he teaches "water quality and treatment" in an Interuniversity programme on Water Resources.
