What occurs if volatile organic compound instruments give inconsistent data?

If volatile organic compound instruments provide inconsistent data, it may lead to the conclusion that the final soil sample results could be invalid. This is because the reliability of the data obtained from these instruments is crucial for accurate assessment of soil contamination. Inconsistent readings may indicate a malfunctioning instrument, environmental factors affecting the readings, or even sample collection errors, all of which can compromise the integrity of the analysis. Without consistent and reliable data, decisions regarding remediation or further investigation cannot be made confidently. Thus, acknowledging the possibility that the data might not reflect the true conditions of the soil is essential for sound scientific practice and environmental protection.