The SWIFT-WFD Proficiency Testing campaigns in support of implementing the EU Water Framework Directive

Abstract

The main objective of the project "Screening methods for Water data InFormaTion in support of the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive" (SWIFT-WFD) was to support the successful implementation of the WFD, which strongly depends on the quality and the comparability of monitoring data from river basin to river basin.

In order to evaluate the performance of the laboratories using both classical and screening/emerging methods involved in the analysis of priority substances listed in the WFD, project activities included organization of three Proficiency Testing (PT) schemes at the European level for the determination of trace elements, major components, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides in water matrices, using the quality-control materials prepared within the project activities. The results of the three PT schemes were evaluated to provide a basis of information about the performance and thus the capacities of European analytical laboratories to comply with the requirements set out in the WFD.