SEDL / STP / STP867-EB / STP30290S

Internal Consistency Checks as Part of a Data Validation Process for Chemical Constituents in Ambient Particulate Samples

Cadle, SH
Senior Staff Research Scientist, Environmental Science Department, General Motors Research Laboratories, Warren, MI

Pages: 11    Published: Jan 1985

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Abstract

Internal consistency checks are an excellent means of validating data obtained during field studies of ambient particulate. The specific method used depends on the purpose and scope of the program. Techniques discussed include inspection of data for outliers, inter-sampler comparisons, and ion balance and mass balance techniques. The use of these methods is illustrated with data collected in a variety of field programs. It is concluded that internal consistency checks should be incorporated into the quality assurance program of all field studies.