Biological assessment methods limitations

Nothing in this section was to be construed to limit or delay the use of effluent limitations or other permit conditions based on or involving biological monitoring or assessment methods or previously adopted numerical criteria. 

Level 1 sampling provides a single set of samples acquired to represent the average composition of each stream. This sample set is separated, either in the field or in the laboratory, into solid, liquid, and gas-phase components. Each fraction is evaluated with survey techniques which define its basic physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. The survey methods selected are compatible with a very broad spectrum of materials and have sufficient sensitivity to ensure a high probability of detecting environmental problems. Analytical techniques and instrumentation have been kept as simple as possible in order to provide an effective level of information at minimum cost. Each individual piece of data developed adds a relevant point to the overall evaluation. Conversely, since the information from a given analysis is limited, all the tests must be performed to provide a valid assessment of the sample. 

Table 3 Acceptance limits set by external quality assessment (EQA) organizers for inorganic components in human serum based on biological variations and the potential of routine methods and observed ranges in the International Measurement Evaluation Programme (IMEP)-7 Evaluation Programme [5]...

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