Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
that the bottom may be more moist that the top, and this may lead to smearing. The
bottom may also rub by sliding during transport. If the sample container is one that is
folded over and sealed by holding the folded area in place with ears, then the top that is
folded over is a good spot for a copy of the label. Other good labeling places will exist on
other types of sample containers.
This is not to indicate that the label should not be placed in some prominent location. It
should. It must occur prominently on the side on the container and must contain all the
information indicated above and information as to the organization requiring the
sampling or paying for the analysis. Other pertinent data, such as phone numbers and e-
mail addresses, should be included as necessary. This label is for convenience and
efficiency in processing samples. Sample numbers in other places are for safety and need
only be the sample number. Serious consideration should be given to including bar
coding on the label. (See Chapter 3.) Bar codes can be placed on all samples and a
duplicate placed in the project notebook and the chain of custody document. (See Chapter
8.) Not only does this simplify keeping track of samples, it will also decrease the chance
of error in reading and reporting sample labels [26, 27].
5.18. CONCLUSIONS
Sampling starts when all the preliminary data have been gathered and the equipment has
been assembled. A map of the area to be sampled is prepared, giving its position on the
Earth's surface. Once this is done, the next step, assuming ground-penetrating radar
(GPR) and remote sensing are not to be used or have already been used, is to do a
transect sampling, including contaminated and uncontaminated areas. With these data a
detailed sampling plan involving gridding and labeling the areas to be sampled is
completed. The sampling plan may be random or may include a combination of random
and nonrandom components. As the samples are taken they are placed in suitable
containers for transport and analysis and given appropriate labels relating them to the
field notebook and position on the Earth's surface. Additional tools such as monitoring
wells and GIS may also be used to obtain a more complete picture of the sampled field.
QUESTIONS
1. Describe the differences between a grab sample, transect sampling, and detailed
sampling.
2. What are two coordinate systems used in GPS?
3. Describe all the information that a label should contain and where it should be on the
sample container. In answering this question do not limit yourself to this chapter alone.
4. What is the accuracy of GPS and remote sensing?
 
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