Database Application for Input and Review of Information on Analytical Measurements

An Analytical Measurements Information Database Application was developed to give an overall view of the criteria involved in the selection of an analytical measurement technique. This specific database application was developed for the measurement of elemental concentration of uranium. It includes information on many components of each measurement technique and allows easy comparison of different techniques. The integrated data information for the methods contained in this program include the specific technique, expected precision and bias, materials applicability, interferences, analysis time, reagents needed, training time, instrumentation required and its associated costs, and resulting process streams. Process stream information may be used to determine the method of preference based on pollution prevention opportunities. Use of this information also serves as an up-front indication of the types of waste generated when different analytical methods are implemented. Most sites, through pollution prevention programs and departmental mandates, are required to generate annual waste forecasts. The use of the process stream information greatly reduces the difficulty of predicting waste generation rates for different analytical methods, while the accuracy of such predictions is substantially increased.