International Standardization Organization change analysis

The International Standard Organization (ISO 14040) [26] breaks the LCA framework into four main stages (1) Goal and scope definition of the study. This stage clarifies the purposes of carrying the study while the assumptions and system boundaries are described clearly. (2) Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) analysis. LCI involves data collection and calculation procedures to quantify relevant inputs and outputs of the entire system defined within the system boundaries. (3) Life cycle impact assessment involves qualifying the potential environmental impacts of the inventory analysis results. (4) The interpretation of the results from the previous phases of the study in relation to the objective of the study. This interpretation can be in form of conclusions and recommendations to decision-makers for process changes to deliver improvement in the environmentel performance. 

As stated in Basic Protocol 1, the method of HPLC used may change depending on the organic acids present in the sample. This method uses a Bio-Rad Aminex HPX-87H column for HPLC analysis. An internal standard is important for the analysis of organic acids. This provides a means of not only determining if the analysis is working but also quantitating the percent recovery of the method. 

GC/MS methods are the only published methods that include the surrogate standard recovery limit guidance. Similar to LCS, acceptance criteria for surrogate standard recoveries of all other organic analysis methods are the laboratory control limits. The limits for internal standard recovery in GC/MS analysis are specified by the method and cannot be changed by the laboratory. Acceptance criteria for matrix interference detection techniques in trace element analyses, discussed in Chapter 4.4.4.5, are also specified in the analytical methods. 

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