Water Content
Determination of water content is arguably the most important test of all. Compliance limits set by the MDPH are weight ratios (weight %, ppm, ppb, and CFU/g), which means that the determined level of analyte (pesticide, metal, etc.) in the sample has to be divided by the dry weight of the sample to calculate results to report. If the dry weight of a sample is not accurately measured, it will cause all reported results to be inaccurate.
After careful surveying of all the ways to scientifically determine dry weight, we selected the Karl Fischer method. It turns out that the most accurate way to measure dry weight is not to dry the sample and weight it, but rather to measure the number of water molecules and subtract their weight from the sample! We use gas-phase Karl Fischer analysis to measure water content which ensures the sample dry weight is determined as accurately as possible. This in turn guarantees greater accuracy of all reported results.