The QUASIMEME laboratory performance study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): Assessment for the period 1996-1999

The results of the laboratory performance studies held during the period 19 96-99 and involving the determination of PAHs in sediments and biota have b een assessed. Overall 67% of the data submitted met the QUASIMEME criterion for satisfactory performance, although differences in performance were app arent between the two main analytical techniques employed: gas chromatograp hy and high-performance liquid chromatography. Further development of PAH m ethodology utilising coupled gas chromatography mass spectrometry is encour aged as the most appropriate means of meeting the future requirements for t he determination of a wider range of PAH analytes. More reference materials are also urgently required for use in marine monitoring programmes, and th ey need to be certified for a wider range of PAHs than hitherto, including both parent PAHs and their alkylated derivatives.