Determination of lead and cadmium in seawater by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry: fit-for-purpose partial validation and internal quality aspects

• Published in: Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 2008-09, Vol.392 (1-2), p.277-286
• Main Authors: Bisetty, K, Gumede, N. J, Escuder-Gilabert, L, Sagrado, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accuracy assessment; Analytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Fit-for-purpose validation; Food Science; heavy metals; Internal quality; Laboratory Medicine; Monitoring/Environmental Analysis; Original Paper; quality control; seawater; uncertainty; Voltammetry
• ISSN: 1618-2642; 1618-2650
• DOI: 10.1007/s00216-008-2235-1

The main thrust of this work involves method validation, quality control and sample uncertainty estimations related to the determination of cadmium and lead in marine water by anodic stripping voltammetry. We have followed a step-by-step protocol to evaluate and harmonize the internal quality aspects of this method. Such protocol involves a statement of the method's scope (analytes, matrices, concentration level) and requisites (external and/or internal); selection of the method's (fit-for-purpose) features; prevalidation and validation of the intermediate accuracy (under intermediate precision conditions) and its assessment (by Monte Carlo simulation); validation of other required features of the method (if applicable); and a validity statement in terms of a “fit-for-purpose” decision, harmonized validation-control-uncertainty statistics (the “u-approach”) and short-term routine work (with the aim of proposing virtually “ready-to-use” methods).