How well do our measurements measure up? An overview of South Africa’s first proficiency testing scheme for organochlorine pesticides in water

• DOI: 10.4314/wsa.v41i2.01
• Publication Date: 2015-07-03T09:30:57Z
• Authors: M Fernandes-Whaley; D Prevoo-Franzsen; L Quinn; N Nhlapo
• Keywords: PTS; organochlorine pesticides; Proficiency testing schemes, PTS, organochlorine pesticides, drinking water; 13. Climate action; Proficiency testing schemes; drinking water; 16. Peace & justice; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water; 0104 chemical sciences

Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right in South Africa. Therefore, the accurate measurement of quality critical ensuring safety prior its intended use. Proficiency testing schemes (PTSs) are recognised form assessing technical competence laboratories performing these analyses. There over 200 Africa, with only 51 being accredited for some or all parameters (physical, chemical and microbiological content) prescribed SANS 241. Only limited number test organic contaminants, as this requires advanced, costly analytical instrumentation, such GC-FID/ECD/MS LC-UV/MS, well skilled staff. These either looking at selected contaminants listed World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines minimum requirements, stipulated 241, phenols, atrazine, trihalomethanes total dissolved content. Whereas several local PTS providers addressing competent assessment microbiological, physical inorganic water, clear need African provider contaminant analysis was identified by NMISA (National Metrology Institute Africa) 2012. The key drivers coordination stem mainly from stability analytes samples high cost logistics international participation. During 2012 2013, conducted trial round, workshop 2 additional rounds organochlorine pesticides laboratories, also participants other countries This paper will highlight challenges faced when analysing ng/ℓ concentration level. Issues surrounding comparability results, traceability, method validation uncertainty discussed.Keywords: schemes, PTS, pesticides,