Quality tests for determination of trace elements in mineral samples

Several tests proposed recently and used in various research programs for e valuating the accuracy of analytical data were applied to discussing the re sults of atomic-emission determination of Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Ga, Sr, and Ba in loose sediments and soils. The procedure of determination and its perfo rmance characteristics, which were evaluated during preparation for certifi cation, are described. The tests were calculated from the results of contro l analyses of certified reference samples of loose sediments and soils of t he following series: SGKh, SGKhM, and BIL-1,2 (IGI, RiAP); GSS and GSD (IGG E); and GXR-2,5,6, Mag-1, and SDO-1 (USGS). It was shown that the results o f analysis obtained by the proposed procedure met both the test claimed in the certification of the procedure and the test used in the International G eochemical Mapping Program [2]. The number of inadequate results increased when the test recommended for the evaluation of the results of certificatio n analyses of standard reference samples [3] was used. The possibility of u sing the quality tests in the Program of International Testing of Geoanalyt ical Laboratories (GeoPT) [4] is discussed.