Oil and grease interference in analysis is typically addressed by what lab step?

Oil and grease interference in analysis is typically addressed by what lab step?

• A. pH drift occurs
• B. Oxygenation increases readings
• C. Filtering is involved and may result in low recoveries
• D. Color change interferes

Answer: (C)

Oil and grease interfere by forming emulsions and fouling surfaces, which can skew measurements. The typical lab remedy is to filter the sample to remove the oil and particulates before analysis. Filtering clears the matrix and reduces interference, helping obtain more reliable results. However, some analyte can be lost on the filter or retained by it, leading to low recoveries if the filter material or pore size isn’t well matched to the analyte. Other potential issues like pH drift, increased oxygenation, or color changes don’t specifically remove the oily material, so filtration is the most direct and common approach.

Oil and grease interfere by forming emulsions and fouling surfaces, which can skew measurements. The typical lab remedy is to filter the sample to remove the oil and particulates before analysis. Filtering clears the matrix and reduces interference, helping obtain more reliable results. However, some analyte can be lost on the filter or retained by it, leading to low recoveries if the filter material or pore size isn’t well matched to the analyte. Other potential issues like pH drift, increased oxygenation, or color changes don’t specifically remove the oily material, so filtration is the most direct and common approach.