Analytical Quality Control exercise for environmental trace metal parameters 

New Delhi : The Instrumentation Laboratory of Central Pollution Control Board, (CPCB) Delhi has organized the 33rd Analytical Quality Control (AQC) exercise for trace metal parameters for Environmental Laboratories of Central and State Pollution Control Boards, Pollution Control Committee’s, and EPA Recognized Private Labs.

The metals included in the 33rd AQC exercise are Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Total Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) for the assessment of pollution in air and water. “The AQC exercise will help evaluate the performance of participating laboratories in terms of analytical activities, the robustness of instruments used for sample analysis and the expertise of manpower engaged in the laboratory. It will also help to ensure the reliability of the analysed data, for an informed and conclusive decision for the prevention and control of pollution” says the press statement released by CPCB

The main objective of the AQC program is to continuously monitor the accuracy and reliability of the analytical data generated by these laboratories, to help improve the infrastructure of laboratories and the quality of data.

145 laboratories including all the Central and State Board laboratories, Pollution Control Committees and EPA approved laboratories are participating in the 33rd AQC program. The exercise is being conducted with in-house expertise and following the international norms with utmost care.

The laboratories would analyse AQC samples, and communicate the test results on or before the due date. The performance of each laboratory would be evaluated based on scores and the scorecards would be sent by the end of 31st of March 2021. (India Science Wire)