Contaminated Sediments Database for the Gulf of Maine, OFR 02-403
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Table 3. Criteria for Identification of Questionable Data
Station and sampling information |
|
| Do samples plot (lat/lon) in stated location? | |
| Are reported significant digits appropriate to location method? | |
| Do dates appear rounded (e.g., 1st of month) or odd (e.g., in future)? | |
| Do dates and locations agree with others in project? | |
| Are sampling device and sample depth compatible? | |
| Do different samples have same reported values (appropriately or not)? | |
| Are samples reported in multiple sources the same for all parameters? | |
| Are units reported and reasonable? | |
Analytical information |
|
| Is methodology and Quality Assurance information reported? | |
| Is detection limit reported and appropriate for method? | |
| Do different samples (especially sequential ones) have same reported values? | |
| Are reported significant digits appropriate? | |
| Are concentrations similar to those of other samples in spatial proximity? | |
| Are concentrations above the limit of quantification ? | |
| Are concentrations higher than the normal population distribution? | |
| Are concentrations lower than the normal population distribution ? | |
| Are high concentrations near a potential contaminant source? | |
| Are low concentrations in sandy sediments or water samples? | |
| Are major element concentrations typical of marine sediments? | |
| Are reported concentrations potentially detection limit values? | |
| Do parameter ratios fall within the normal population distribution? | |
| Does one sample have same reported values for different parameters? | |
| Are concentrations an order of magnitude (or 3) higher or lower than reasonable? | |
Reference quality |
|
| Is methodology and QA information reported? | |
| Is laboratory reputable? | |
| Is reference carefully written? | |
| Do many samples meet criteria for questionable data? | |