The Standard Methods validation process – responding to requests for including new methods.

Reinventing Method Validation for Environmental Monitoring
Oral Presentation

Prepared by

Contact Information: AndyEaton@EurofinsUS.com; 626 386 1125


ABSTRACT

By definition, Standard Methods is supposed to represent methods that are either in widespread use or have the potential to see widespread use in the water and wastewater treatment industries. The reality however is that Standard Methods has also tried to be a forum for newer methods that the Joint Editorial Board feels may have applicability in the industry or represent significant improvements on existing methods. Section 1040 describes the validation process in general that Standard Methods expects to be used by developers of new or alternative methods for consideration for inclusion in Standard Methods. Recent experience working with developers of new methods (TOC and PPCPs) and looking at retroactively validating aspects of some methods already in the book (4500-Cl-E) suggests that there is no “one size fits all” approach to methods validation. This presentation will discuss our experience in this area and suggest potential changes that Standard Methods may consider to clarify and/or simplify these issues.