UK national marine analytical quality control scheme: The assessment of performance in the determination of organochlorines in water, 1992–1996

A scheme addressing analytical quality in marine chemistry has been established within the UK. The National Marine Analytical Quality Control (NMAQC) scheme is primarily intended to underpin the co-ordinated National Monitoring Programme established in 1993/1994. In this paper we review the progress of the scheme during its first 4 years of operation with respect to the determination of concentrations of organochlorine compounds in aqueous samples, and relate performance in the exercises undertaken to date with the requirements of the NMP The further development of the NMAQC scheme in respect of these determinands is also discussed.