ABSTRACT
Resumo Introdução O Ministério da Saúde (MS) é responsável pela vigilância da qualidade da água de consumo humano. A confiabilidade nos resultados do monitoramento de parâmetros analíticos minimiza riscos à saúde pública. Objetivo Retratar aspectos funcionais, a aplicação de ferramentas da qualidade e a aderência dos laboratórios públicos que atuam no monitoramento da água de consumo humano aos requisitos da norma ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025. Método A pesquisa foi realizada com 30 laboratórios públicos de todas as regiões do país, respondendo a um questionário elaborado com 49 perguntas sobre a formação e capacidade dos profissionais, garantia da validade dos resultados e sobre a determinação de parâmetros da qualidade da água. Resultados Dos 161 profissionais, 46% possuem mais de 10 anos de experiência e 65% têm formação superior. Capacitações específicas foram requeridas por todos. A validação dos métodos analíticos não foi realizada por 59%. Materiais de referência certificados são acessados por 41% e apenas 18% têm facilidade em adquiri-los. A participação em ensaios de proficiência foi reportada por 68% dos laboratórios, mas com poucos parâmetros avaliados e dificuldades em contratar provedores. Conclusão Evidenciou-se a necessidade de ações para fortalecimento da metrologia em laboratórios públicos que atuam na vigilância da qualidade da água.
Abstract Background The Ministry of Health (MS) is responsible for drinking water quality surveillance. Reliability in the results of monitoring analytical parameters minimizes public health risks. Objective To present functionals aspects and the application of quality tools by public laboratories that work to monitor the quality of drinking water. Method A survey was conducted with 30 public laboratories from all regions of the country, answering a questionnaire elaborated with 49 questions about the training and capacity of professionals, guaranteeing the validity of the results and about the determination of basic parameters of water quality. Results Of the 161 professionals, 46% have more than 10 years of experience and 65% have higher education. Specific training was required by everyone. The validation of the analytical methods was not performed by 59%. Reference materials are accessed by 41% and only 18% can acquire them easily. Participation in proficiency tests was reported by 68% of the laboratories, but with few parameters evaluated and difficulties in hiring providers. Conclusion The need for actions to strengthen metrology in public laboratories that work in water quality surveillance was highlighted.
ABSTRACT
Bioethanol has become an important biofuel because it is a source of renewable energy and can help to decrease global warming. However, the quality of bioethanol needs to be guaranteed so that it can be trusted and accepted in international trade. The Brazilian Metrology Institute (Inmetro) has been developing a certified reference material (CRM) for bioethanol to ensure quality control for measurement in the bioethanol matrix. Inmetro has certified 11 quality parameters. Using these, the CRM of bioethanol will contribute to guaranteeing metrological traceability and reliable measurement results. These factors can be used to compare different bioethanols produced to comply with legislation in different countries in order to avoid technical barriers and thus increase the international trade in Brazilian bioethanol. The aim of this paper is to present the results of certification studies using three important electrochemical quality parameters in the CRM of bioethanol-total acid number, pHe and electrolytic conductivity-which are crucial in protecting the metallic parts of a vehicle from corrosion. The certified results obtained for total acid number, pHe and electrolytic conductivity parameters were (16.2±1.7)mg L(-1), 6.07±0.30, and (1.03±0.11)µS cm(-1), respectively. The uncertainties for all parameters were the expanded uncertainty obtained by multiplying the combined standard uncertainty by a coverage factor of k=2, which represents an approximately 95% confidence level.
