Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Flow
Flow
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Flow
Flow
Figure 10.2
Taking a water sample: Turn the bottle into the current and scoop in an upstream direction.
4. Hold the bottle near its base and plunge it (opening downward)
below the water surface. If you are using an extension pole, remove
the cap, turn the bottle upside down, and plunge it into the water,
facing upstream. Collect a water sample 8 to 12 inches beneath the
surface, or midway between the surface and the bottom if the stream
reach is shallow.
5. Turn your bottle underwater into the current and away from you. In
slow-moving stream reaches, push the bottle underneath the surface
and away from you in the upstream direction.
6. Leave a 1-inch air space (except for DO and BOD samples). Do not fill
the bottle completely (so the sample can be shaken just before analy-
sis). Recap the bottle carefully, remembering not to touch the inside.
7. Fill in the bottle number and site number on the appropriate field
data sheet.
This is important
, as it is the only way the lab specialist
will know which bag goes with which site.
8. If the samples are to be analyzed in the lab, place them in a cooler for
transport to the lab.
Sample Preservation and Storage
Samples can change very rapidly, and no single preservation method will
serve for all samples and constituents. If analysis must be delayed, follow the
instructions for sample preservation and storage listed in
Standard Methods
