ERSC 2230H Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Nipple, Inta, Analyte
Document Summary
D: quantitative: accurate determination of concentration of known analyte in sample. Accuracy is highly variable (soil mass - water is present) Logistics - time to take samples (time = money) Ensure that there are no changes in analyte during sample transfer from collection to analysis. Obtain representative sample when sample size is too large. Special care required for samples that cannot be homogenized. Extraction - leaching of the analyte from the matrix without destroying the matrix structure (can be incomplete) Digestion - complete decomposition of the sample matrix and release of the analyte. Conversion of the sample from original physical state into the one required by the analytical method. Removal of interferences (substances that prevent accurate quantification of analytes) Number of particles/volume or /mass (mol/l or mol/g) Most analytical instruments yield a response proportional to the analyte"s concentration in the sample. Most environmental effects are proportional to exposure concentration.