Basics of Environmental Sampling and Analysis - Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis - page 11

Chapter 2

Basics of Environmental
Sampling and Analysis

2.1 ESSENTIAL ANALYTICAL AND ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

2.2 ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS
2.3 ESSENTIAL HYDROLOGY AND GEOLOGY

2.4 ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

REFERENCES

QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS

In the real world, environmental sampling and analysis are performed by a group of
people with different areas of expertise. This might be very different from small
projects or research work in academic settings, where the sampler and analyst may
be the same person. In any case, a basic knowledge of environmental sampling and
analysis is essential for all individuals. As illustrated in this chapter, environmental
sampling and analysis is an interdisciplinary field including chemistry, statistics,
geology, hydrology, and law to name just a few. It is the purpose of this chapter to
introduce readers to some of the relevant environmental sampling and analysis
basics. An in-depth and detailed knowledge on particular topics is beyond the scope
of this text and readers are referred to the suggested readings for further details.

2.1 ESSENTIAL ANALYTICAL AND ORGANIC
CHEMISTRY

2.1.1 Concentration Units

Proper concentration units are important in environmental reporting. Although
chemists prefer to use units such as percentage (% in m/v or v/v) or molarity (M) for
chemical concentrations,

these units are too large for common environmental