Experimento didático abordando a importância da validação metodológica no estudo da química do sulfato no meio ambiente

This instructive experiment aims to show the importance of validation on analytical method in the study of sulfate chemistry in the environment. Even though the method of sulfate determination has pointed out satisfactory linearity, sensitivity, limit of detection and quantification, and precision in aqueous matrices, this experiment showed that it has low accuracy for complex aqueous matrices, such as lagoon and estuary. Therefore, the method is only recommended for aqueous matrices with little complexity, such as drinking water. The students could were able to understand the validation concepts and grasp the importance of certifying the adequacy of the chemical method, which guarantee the quality of the results and consequently accurate conclusions. Furthermore, the use of the fundamentals of statistic in chemical analysis as well as the application of software for data processing provided the students with an opportunity to integrate computer analysis with theory and practice.