Groundwater analysis, testing, and quality control

The selection of groundwater analysis and testing methods, along with quality control during the testing process, constitute two critical aspects of groundwater testing. These tasks involve a wide range of methods and an equally extensive array of standards. To improve work efficiency and ensure analytical quality, this paper provides an overview of the groundwater standard system, commonly used standard analytical methods for groundwater, and quality control approaches, to facilitate the selection of appropriate testing methods and the implementation of quality control in practice. Using the National Standard Information Public Service Platform, 102 current national standards and 311 current industry standards applicable to groundwater analysis and testing were identified (local standards were not included in the search). These standards cover technical specifications for the groundwater environment, groundwater quality standards, and analytical method standards. Based on the standard texts and practical testing experience, this paper summarizes commonly used groundwater analytical methods, including titration, optical analytical methods, electrochemical analysis, chromatographic analysis, and mass spectrometry. The discussion of quality control methods primarily focuses on four aspects:selection of testing methods, traceability of standard solutions, quality control during analysis, and validation of test data. This paper is intended to provide a reference for analysts engaged in groundwater testing, thereby supporting the protection of China's groundwater ecological environment.