Comparison of the results for the analysis of individual chlorobiphenyl congeners in various interlaboratory exercises

A comparison is made between interlaboratory studies in which individual chlorobiphenyls (CBs) are measured in fish and sludge samples. The target coefficient of variation (CV(R)) between laboratories at CB levels of 0.01–1.0 mg/kg should be in the order of 20–30%. An improvement in the CV(R) is clearly shown in studies in which a learning program, paying attention to the optimization of gas Chromatographic operating conditions, is included. For standard solutions, where no interference problems of the matrix occur, excellent CV(R)s are obtained in the order of 6%. In fish oil CV(R)s of 10–30% and in sludge CV(R)s of 20–30% are reached.