Inter-comparability of analytical laboratories in quantifying polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons collected from industrial emission sources

Abstract We report an inter-laboratory comparison of analytical laboratories involved in the quantification polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) collected by sampling organisations from industrial stacks (e.g. waste incinerators). Four reference solutions were prepared containing nominally 10 ng/ml, 50 200 ng/ml and 500 naphthalene, benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene dibenzo[a,h]anthracene prior to despatch five with requested accordance ISO 11338-2. Across four (the 5th returned unusable data), significant deviations concentrations found frequently excess benchmarks 37 %—from validation data 11338-2—and 21 Environment Agency for England’s Monitoring Certification Scheme. Also, much variance was systemic nature indicating a possible issue quality some stock used calibration. Whilst more proficiency testing would be welcomed monitor improve performance, this should provided addition support laboratories. A key mechanism is standards themselves there timely opportunity that ISO/TC 146/SC 1 are due revise 11338. Possible improvements include full high performance liquid chromatography gas chromatography–mass spectrometry methods (to better understand what can reasonably expected laboratories), requirement correct results individual laboratory PAH extraction efficiency, required uncertainty stipulated overall method (also aiding setting pass/fail criteria testing).