title: Error propagation in pesticide residue measurements estimated by computational simulations and inter-laboratory sample analysis.
abstract: An assessment of the error associated with conventional pesticide residue analysis has been conducted based on computer simulations and inter-laboratory residue analysis. Computational simulations were conducted based on (i) typical performance and regulatory acceptance criteria of analytical methods, and (ii) field residue distributions. In addition, field samples with incurred residues were sent to different private laboratories and the results compared. The relative difference in pesticide residues obtained when samples from the same field or produce lot are analyzed at separate laboratories was used to quantify the uncertainty associated with residue analyses performed using common analytical technology, and methods that are in compliance with current regulatory requirements. The study showed that differences of > 100% are common and should be expected when samples from the same crop are analyzed at different laboratories. The results also suggest that the error within residue measurements can be particularly detrimental when a result is reported near the maximum residue limit (MRL).
authors.affiliation: DuPont Crop Protection, Stine-Haskell Research Center, Newark, Delaware, USA. sergio.c.nanita@usa.dupont.com
authors.forename: Sergio C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Nanita
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ziegler
authors.forename: Livio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Giammarrusti
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Huber
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Astor
authors.forename: Janet C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ruhl
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D018556:Crops, Agricultural / Q000737:chemistry; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010573:Pesticide Residues / Q000032:analysis*; D011786:Quality Control; D035501:Uncertainty
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D010573:Pesticide Residues