Censored observations are identified in swmpr objects using the CDMO flags -4 or -5, indicating outside the low or high sensor range, respectively. Additional codes are identified including A (-2007) or SUL (2007-) for above and B (-2007), SBL (2007-), SCB (2007-, calculated) for below detection limits. The QAQC columns are searched for all parameters and replaced with the appropriate value indicating the detection limit as defined by flag_type. The default argument flag_type = 'both' will recode the QAQC columns as -1, 0, or 1 indicating below, within, or above the detection limit. Setting flag_type = 'below' or 'above' will convert the columns to TRUE/FALSE values indicating observations beyond the detection limit (either above or below, TRUE) or within the normal detection range FALSE.
The output includes additional columns similar to those for QAQC flags, such that the column names for censored flags include a c_ prefix before the parameter name. Note that the function will of course not work if already processed with qaqc. QAQC columns are retained for additional processing.
The user should refer to the metadata or visually examine the observed data to identify the actual limit, which may change over time.