Minimum requirements for reporting analytical data for environmental samples

In view of the significance of environmental analytical data, it is essential that the quality of both sampling strategy and analysis be assured and that procedures used, as well as all relevant additional information, are reported. There is a minimum level of information required in order to guarantee the fitness-for-use of the data. Emanating from discussions on the fundamental problems of the analysis of environmental samples for chemical or biological contaminants, a general guidance is given regarding the minimum information that should be provided to adequately describe the sampling strategy, method of sampling, sample properties, handling between sampling and analysis (including storage conditions, pre-treatments, homogenization, subsampling), and the analytical methodology (including calculation and validation procedures). Special attention and specific guidance are given for the environmental compartments soil, pore water, ground-water, inland surface water, sediment, seawater, precipitation water, and air.