Common scheme for validation of measurement methods

','++public_docs/norman_v1_v2_v3_version_02_final_feb2009.pdf');?> NORMAN has developed a (1197 kB) to the validation of both chemical and biological methods for the respective monitoring and bio-monitoring of emerging pollutants (occurrence and effects) in a broad range of matrices. This framework addresses three different validation approaches, in increasing order of complexity:

Moreover, a (757 kB) in a broader context, for which no standardised guidelines are available, has been developed.

For the discovery of emerging pollutants through Effect Directed Analysis or EDA - indicating the integrated use of chemical and biological techniques, this protocol provides the reader with a set of recommendations for the various aspects of EDA studies.

Why do we need a common validation framework?

Comparability and reliability of monitoring data are essential for any meaningful assessment and for the management of environmental risks. For emerging pollutants, there is concern regarding the comparability of data at the European level. Methods used for the monitoring of emerging pollutants have often not been properly validated either in-house (i.e. within a single laboratory) or at the international level. Such methods are often not well established in the scientific community, and are therefore far from being harmonised or standardised. In addition, those methods developed by different institutions and organisations may only be applicable to specific conditions (matrix, organism) which may further complicate data comparability.

Final version of the NORMAN scheme for validation of measurement methods

The final version of the protocols is now available and the two documents can be downloaded. For the sake of user friendliness the three validation protocols have been combined into a single document. Download (1197 kB pdf file), (757 kB pdf file).

The NORMAN scheme for validation of measurement methods has been developed within NORMAN by biological and chemical experts. It is suitable for the validation of methods for monitoring of pollutants (and/or their effects) in water, air, soil, sediment and biota and it is not restricted to emerging pollutants.

Moreover, wherever possible, existing European and international standards and guidelines (e.g. on sampling, terminology, statistics, organisation and evaluation of interlabs/PTs, performance criteria, uncertainty evaluation) have been taken into account.

The protocols have been tested in the three . organised by NORMAN during the course of the project

What will be the future steps?

Negotiations are under way at CEN the European Standardisation body (CEN TC 230 - Water Analysis) for its implementation in European Standardisation and the drafting of a new work item proposal for methods validation (future CEN Technical Specification) which will be entirely based on the NORMAN validation framework.

Moreover, the work under "Mandate M424" from DG ENTR to CEN will make use of the NORMAN validation protocols where possible. Moreover, reference to the NORMAN validation protocol is integrated in the Guidance Document on Surface Water Monitoring produced by the CMA (Chemical Monitoring Activity) under the co-ordination of DG ENV.

Contact

For comments or questions on the methods validation protocols you can contact the Work Package leader .