Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter
1
Introduction to Environmental
Data Acquisition
1.1
INTRODUCTION
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLING
1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
REFERENCES
QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS
This introductory chapter will give readers a brief overview of the purposes and
scopes of environmental sampling and analysis. Sampling and analysis, apparently
the independent steps during data acquisition, are in fact the integrated parts to
obtain quality data—the type of data that are expected to sustain scientific and legal
challenges. The importance of environmental sampling and the uniqueness of
environmental analysis as opposed to traditional analytical chemistry are discussed.
A brief history of classical to modern instrumental analysis is also introduced in this
chapter.
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The objectives of environmental sampling and analysis may vary depending on the
specific project (task), including regulatory enforcement, regulatory compliance,
routine monitoring, emergency response, and scientific research. The examples are
as follows:
1. To determine how much pollutant enters into environment through stack
emission, wastewater discharge, and so forth in order to comply with a
regulatory requirement.
