Caution in Repurposing Data for Environmental Analytics

This document is a guide that outlines the critical considerations for environmental scientists when repurposing data in environmental analytics. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins and characteristics of data to ensure accuracy and integrity in analyses. The text discusses the potential biases introduced by combining different data sources, particularly in the context of environmental assessments. It provides case examples, including the calculation of background screening levels for metals at Superfund sites and the identification of contaminant sources like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The guide stresses the necessity of tracing data back to its source and comprehending the sampling design, protocols, and laboratory methods involved. It advocates for sophisticated analyses that yield insightful solutions and highlights the role of effective communication in conveying results. The document concludes by emphasizing the collaborative and data-driven approach necessary for informed decision-making in environmental science.