Presampling - Field Sampling: Principles and Practices in Environmental Analysis - page 73

Plastic-lined
cloth and
paper

Similar to plastic except
stronger and less subject to
puncture

See plastic
above

See plastic above

Special
plastic

Specially treated plastic
bags with Mylar or
aluminum lining

Easy to handle Not impervious to all organics

(check manufacturer's
specifications)

Rigid plastic Shatter-proof; make sure

container is chemically
clean a

Easy to handle,
nonwetting

Reactive with sample
components; contamination of
sample

Glass Unreactive Easily cleaned;

can be dried in
oven

Subject to breakage

a Plastics are often manufactured using oils to release them from such things as molds. Note that in
some cases a certain type of container may be specified for a specific type of contaminant;
otherwise, a container compatible with the contaminants expected in the sample is used.

In many cases the analytical laboratory chosen to do the analytical work will have
specific bottles and other containers, along with the closures that it specifies for the type
of sample being obtained and the analysis required. The laboratory will supply the
bottles, along with directions for sample addition, amount, sealing, and returning to the
laboratory.

3.11. TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE

Arrangements for the transportation and storage of samples also needs to be decided on
during this phase of the work. In many situations the analytical laboratory will have
procedures that it requires for sample transportation and storage. These must be followed
if the analytical results are to be meaningful. Note that different laboratories may have
different procedures. The analytical results are produced assuming the procedures for
storage and transport have been rigorously followed, however. Not following these
procedures can adversely affect or even invalidate the analytical results altogether.
Once in their container, in the field the samples should be placed in a box for transport
to the field office. A paper or wooden box is sufficient, although a polystyrene cooler
may also be used effectively and is probably preferable, as it is both sturdy and insulated.
The samples can be packed with paper, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap, or if cooling is
required ice can be used as a packing material for protection, insulation, and temperature
control. When full, the box is transported to the field office for storage. A separate
storage room—or, preferably, building—is needed for the samples. This will prevent
contamination of the work space with material from the samples and prevent
contamination of the samples from the work space. At this point the samples are ready to
be either analyzed at the field office (sample characteristics such as pH are analyzed in
the field as soon after sampling as possible) or shipped to the analytical laboratory.