Demonstration of Equivalence of Ambient Air Analytical Method - Proceedings of the Workshop on Demonstration of Equivalence 2-4 May 2007 Ispra (VA) Italy - GUIDELINE on Demonstration of Equivalence - November 2005

Abstract

The EU directives on ambient air quality define a series of reference methods, which have to be used by the Member States to monitor ambient air quality. These methods have been standarised by CEN and their analytical uncertainties have been determined to be in line with the data quality objectives of the directives. The use of equivalence methods for reporting ambient air monitoring data to the Commission should be guaranteed by a robust procedure, which is capable of evaluating the uncertainty associated with the candidate method under similar operational field conditions. The grade of complexity of the procedure for demonstration of equivalence depends on how much the candidate method differs from the reference method. Such a variation ranges from a modification of the minor part of the standardised method to a method that could work with a completely different principle. The "Guideline on Demonstration of Equivalence" deals with these matters, first by defining equivalence as "...a method meeting the Data Quality Objectives for continuous or fixed measurements specified in the relevant air quality directive" and, secondly, by establishing a procedure for demonstration of equivalence based on specific programmes for laboratory and field tests with the ultimate goal of determining the uncertainty of the candidate method in comparison to the reference method. This publication collates the proceedings of the Workshop on Demonstration of Equivalence between Ambient Air Monitoring Methods, which was held at the JRC in Ispra (VA) from 2 - 4 May 2007 and the major discussions vis-à-vis the last version of the "Guideline on Demonstration of Equivalence" (included as an annex). During the workshop in Ispra, a series of relevant items were discussed including the same approaching principle, practical discussions on experimental design, QAQC requirements and other statistical approaches. All this information has been collected in the current proceedings and the different presentations slides can be found on the following website of the Joint Research Centre: http://ies.jrc.cec.eu.int/626.html.It should be understood that the articles included in these proceedings do not represent any official position of the European Commission, rather the point of view of the corresponding authors. Theses proceedings provide an extensive discussion on the current limitations of the guideline on Demonstration of Equivalence and, consequently, give some space for possible improvements. The Guideline is reinforced through extensive application and use by the reference laboratories from Member States.