Laserfiche WebLink
V. SAMPLING METHODS AND PROCEDURES <br /> A Sampling Eauioment <br /> Various types of equipment may be used to collect grab samples from shallow <br /> well systems. Typical sampling equipment includes pond samplers, weighted bottles, and <br /> bailers. The equipment is usually made of stainless steel, glass or Teflon. Other <br /> equipment may be used when the situation warrants. <br /> The pond sampler is used when the system is easily accessible and when the <br /> sampling point is deeper than arm's length. This sampling device consists of a <br /> telescoping aluminum rod to which a stainless steel or nalgene beaker is attached using <br /> an adjustable stainless steel C-clamp. The size of the beaker is determined by the <br /> volume and number of samples to be collected. <br /> Weighted bottles or similar devices may be utilized to sample fluid at a depth <br /> below an oil/water interface. Such devices must be lowered below the floating product <br /> phase before opening. Fluid from below the interface may then be retrieved. <br /> The bailer is useful for sampling from small diameter wells, septic tanks, and <br /> other areas where openings are too small to permit use of the pond sampler. A bailer is <br /> lowered into the fluid with a rope and retrieved with a sample of the fluid. <br /> Often sediment samples from the bottom of a sump are collected using a beaker <br /> attached to a pond sampler. A stainless steel lab scoop is generally used to transfer the <br /> sediment from the beaker to the required container. Trowels and drive samplers are <br /> also used to collect samples. <br /> In addition to the sampling equipment typically used to obtain samples, nalgene <br /> bottles for liquid sample transfer; certified organic-free, metal-free water for quality <br /> assurance blank samples; and instruments for measurement of fluid pH and temperature <br /> are used. <br /> It is important to avoid using equipment or containers that may alter the sample <br /> through the introduction of foreign matter. Contaminated sampling equipment can <br /> result in leaching or particulate fallout, volatilization or adsorption of the sample. <br /> 19 <br />