Presampling - Field Sampling: Principles and Practices in Environmental Analysis - page 79

and so on, mentioned in this chapter are given in Appendix B. Many times the place to
start the search for companies is at their Web site.
3.19. CONCLUSIONS
Once all the above information is obtained and all the decisions are made it is still not
time to start sampling. The needed equipment must be purchased and brought to the field
office. A laboratory and storage area must be prepared. Sample handling and
transportation procedures need to be written down, and a chain of custody protocol
developed and appropriate procedures for its implementation decided upon. With the
above information a detailed safety plan for sampling the field can be prepared. No
sampling can begin until all the safety precautions and equipment have been obtained and
everyone knows how to use them.
At this point a preliminary sampling plan can be put together. It should include plans
for transact sampling and detailed sampling. (See Chapter 5.) It is good to keep in mind
that during most transect sampling too few samples are taken. For this reason one should
err on the side of too many samples during transect or preliminary sampling.
QUESTIONS
1. Describe the characteristics of a project notebook.
2. What types of information can be obtained by walking around the outside of a field
in relationship to the sampling to be done?
3. Make a list of the types of information that one should obtain about a field when
preparing a summary of its history.
4. What two soil characteristics may have a pronounced effect on the type of sampler
used in sampling a field?
5. What three basic types of samplers are there? Explain where each might be used
most effectively.
6. What two pieces of safety equipment are most important to have in the field and at
the sampling site?
7. What kinds of statistical tests of data will be needed in analyzing sampling and
analytical results?
8. Explain why GPS is essential in obtaining accurate and repeatable sampling results.
9. Explain the following abbreviations. (Do not hesitate to use other chapters in your