Uncertainty evaluation of pH measured using potentiometric method

Abstract

Determination of pH using a typical glass electrode requires prior calibration in order to determine the electrode parameters. Knowledge about uncertainties of the parameters is insufficient to calculate the uncertainty of measured pH because of existing correlation. In the paper, an example illustrating the problem is presented. Two ways of proper uncertainty assessment are suggested: (1) analytical with removing the correlated variables and (2) numerical using Monte Carlo simulations. The second one seems to be much less time-consuming and allows easier investigations of the uncertainty properties.