What are the most common ways to collect environmental samples?

1 Air sampling

Air sampling involves capturing a representative sample of the ambient or indoor air, and measuring its physical, chemical, or biological characteristics. Air sampling can be done using active or passive methods. Active methods use pumps or fans to draw air through a sampling device, such as a filter, a sorbent tube, a canister, or a bag. Passive methods rely on natural diffusion or wind to expose a sampling device, such as a badge, a plate, or a tube, to the air. The choice of air sampling method depends on the objectives, duration, frequency, and location of the sampling, as well as the type and concentration of the pollutants of interest.

2 Water sampling

Water sampling involves collecting a representative sample of the surface or groundwater, and measuring its physical, chemical, or biological characteristics. Water sampling can be done using grab or composite methods. Grab methods collect a single sample at a specific time and location, using a container, a bottle, a syringe, or a sampler. Composite methods collect multiple samples over a period of time or across a spatial area, using a device that mixes or integrates the samples, such as a peristaltic pump, an automatic sampler, or a flow-proportional sampler. The choice of water sampling method depends on the objectives, frequency, and location of the sampling, as well as the type and stability of the parameters of interest.

3 Soil sampling

Soil sampling involves collecting a representative sample of the soil or sediment, and measuring its physical, chemical, or biological characteristics. Soil sampling can be done using discrete or composite methods. Discrete methods collect a single sample from a specific depth and location, using a tool, such as a shovel, a trowel, a corer, or a drill. Composite methods collect multiple samples from different depths and locations, and combine them into a single sample, using a tool, such as a bucket, a mixer, or a splitter. The choice of soil sampling method depends on the objectives, depth, and heterogeneity of the sampling, as well as the type and distribution of the contaminants of interest.

4 Biota sampling

Biota sampling involves collecting a representative sample of the living organisms or their tissues, and measuring their physical, chemical, or biological characteristics. Biota sampling can be done using direct or indirect methods. Direct methods collect the organisms or their tissues themselves, using a tool, such as a net, a trap, a snare, or a biopsy. Indirect methods collect the products or traces of the organisms, such as feces, urine, hair, feathers, or eggs, using a tool, such as a bag, a filter, a scraper, or a swab. The choice of biota sampling method depends on the objectives, availability, and sensitivity of the sampling, as well as the type and bioaccumulation of the pollutants of interest.

5 Sampling quality control

Sampling quality control involves ensuring that the environmental samples are collected, handled, preserved, transported, and analyzed in a way that minimizes errors, biases, and uncertainties. Sampling quality control can be done using various techniques, such as following standard operating procedures, using appropriate equipment and materials, applying proper cleaning and decontamination methods, labeling and sealing the samples correctly, maintaining the chain of custody records, storing and shipping the samples under suitable conditions, and performing quality assurance and quality control tests, such as blanks, duplicates, spikes, or splits. The choice of sampling quality control techniques depends on the requirements, specifications, and standards of the sampling project.

6 Sampling health and safety

Sampling health and safety involves protecting the health and safety of the sampling personnel, the public, and the environment from potential hazards and risks associated with the sampling activities. Sampling health and safety can be done using various measures, such as conducting a risk assessment, developing a sampling plan, obtaining the necessary permits and permissions, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, following safe work practices and emergency procedures, monitoring the exposure levels and health effects, and disposing of the waste and residuals properly. The choice of sampling health and safety measures depends on the nature, extent, and severity of the hazards and risks of the sampling site.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?