Reliability of organic compounds measurement in enviromental monitoring. The key role of analytical standard substance. A study case on alkylphenols

⁽¹⁾ LNE, DMSI, Pôle Chimie Biologie 1 rue Gaston Boissier 75724 PARIS Cedex 15
⁽²⁾ INERIS, (French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks) Parc Technologique ALATA 3 Rue Jacques Taffanel 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte

^a Corresponding author: sophie.lardy-fontan@lne.fr

Abstract

The overall management and decision making system driven by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and other European water policies is strongly dependent on the quality of monitoring data. Performing fit for purpose measurements implies the demonstration of their metrological traceability, their procuration according to accurate and sensitive analytical methods and a realistic estimate of expanded uncertainty. This can only be achieved by the provision of reference measurement standard substances, whenever possible traceable to the SI, which serve as reference points for the implementation of a traceability infrastructure supporting a monitoring network in Europe. Routine laboratories operating in French water bodies monitoring program have repeatedly expressed to AQUAREF their difficulties regarding alkyphenols, one of the priority substances of the WFD. Accordingly, LNE and INERIS handled a study that aims at assessing the purity of nonylphenols commercially available analytical standard and discusses its impacts. The work highlights that: identity of the organic analytical standard substance reference materials should be clearly documented and demonstrated, purity assessment should be reported with a reliable uncertainty evaluation.