SWIFT-WFD project

This section aims to provide some illustrative examples of how information provided by the SPEs/PalmSens in field conditions can be useful in the frame of the WFD. These results were obtained during field trials organized within the SWIFT-WFD project. The first example highlights the ability of the sensor to assess spatial variability of metal concentration in a river system of average quality conditions. The second one aims to demonstrate how the device can help to assess the temporal variability in case of a simulated accidental metal pollution scenario. 

Table 5.1.1 Quality control materials produced within the SWIFT-WFD Project... 

The suitability of the quality control tools prepared under the SWIFT-WFD project was proved from the homogeneity and stability studies carried out on all materials. Table 5.1.3 summarizes the tested analytes for each material, the institution responsible for the analysis, and the analytical technique and sample intake used. 

The results obtained within the SWIFT-WFD project, dealing with the preparation of water reference materials, will contribute to the future developments of such materials, especially for the analysis of pesticides and PAHs at low concentration levels. The two different strategies employed, direct fortification in the laboratory by using spiking solutions following detailed protocols, and fortification of the material before dispatch, led to homogeneous and satisfactory stable reference materials for quality control purposes. 

The European Commission is kindly acknowledged for the funding of the activity carried out under the SWIFT-WFD project, contract no SSPI - CT - 2003 - 502492. 

Muntau H, 2005. SWIFT-WFD Project Third Sampling Campaign River Basin... 

SWIFT-WFD project, 2004. Screening methods for Water data Information in support of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. 6th Framework Programme, contract number SSPI-CT-2003-502492 (2004-2007). 

For this aim, three proficiency testing (PT) campaigns were organized within the SWIFT-WFD project, mainly dedicated to the determination of the list of priority pollutants annexed to the WFD. The SWIFT-WFD PT campaigns, one per year for three years, were organized on 17 reference materials (RMs) including 5 matrix RMs at natural concentration levels, 3 at low fortified concentration levels, 4 at fortified concentration levels, and 5 multi-analyte blind standard solutions, targeting the analysis of... 

Table 5.2.2 shows the number of invitations sent out and the laboratories that applied to the PT schemes, according to the method used. The fifth column of the table presents the number of applications that arrived from SWIFT-WFD project partners. 

One of the short-term aims of the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities of the SWIFT-WFD project was the evaluation of the state-of-the-art of the analytical performances of SMETs in use in Europe, whereas one of the long-term aims was the establishment of a framework of ongoing PT schemes activities supporting the European laboratories involved in the implementation of WFD applying either classical methods or SMETs. 

Brunori C., Ipolyi I., Pellegrino C., Ricci M., Bercaru O., Ulberth F., Sahuquillo A., Rosenberg E., Madrid Y. and Morabito R., The SWIFT-WFD Proficiency Testing Campaigns in Support of the EU Water Framework Directive Implementation Organized within the Frame of the SWIFT-WFD Project, 2007, Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 26(10) 993-1004. 

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