Saasteainetest

Saasteainetest is a term used in Estonian-language environmental science to refer to a test or set of tests designed to detect and quantify pollutants (saasteained) in various matrices such as air, water, soil, sediment, or biological samples. The main purpose is to assess environmental quality, exposure risks, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Applications and scope include environmental monitoring, industrial compliance testing, public health risk assessment, and ecological studies. A saasteainetest program may target a wide range of contaminants, including inorganic elements (heavy metals), organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, and emerging contaminants.

Typical methodology involves several stages. Field sampling must follow standardized protocols to preserve sample integrity and minimize contamination. In the laboratory, samples are prepared through extraction, digestion, or concentration steps appropriate to the pollutant class. Analytical techniques commonly used include gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for organic compounds, inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for metals, and spectrophotometric or immunoassay methods for rapid screening. Data analysis focuses on quantification, quality control, and comparison with regulatory thresholds or risk-based benchmarks.

Quality assurance and quality control are integral, including method validation, calibration, blank and spike recoveries, and participation in proficiency testing. Standards and reporting requirements vary by jurisdiction and pollutant class, but saasteainetest efforts generally aim for traceable results and transparent documentation.

See also: environmental analysis, pollutant, analytical chemistry.