Field Sampling: Principles and Practices in Environmental Analysis(Books in Soils, Plants, and the Environment)

Written by a renowned professional with more than 30 years of experience in environmental sampling and analysis, this reference describes in unparalleled detail all the essential elements for the development and execution of a successful sampling plan at both contaminated and uncontaminated sites. The book covers presampling planning and decision-making, specific sampling situations, and correct sample labeling, and presents the framework and background for the sampling of any contaminated site. Presenting a wide variety of models, quality control procedures, and valuable troubleshooting methods, Field Sampling contains an abundance of topics never before covered in any other source.

Table of Contents:
INTRODUCTION TO FIELD SAMPLING Assessing the Sampling Needs Soil Water and Air Presampling Safety Sampling Statistics Modeling Sample Handling What is Present? Analytical Methods Traps Essential Units Definitions Other Ways of Sampling and Representing the Environment Global Positioning System (GPS) Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Conclusions CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT Parts of the Environment Soil Formation Soil Types Soil Texture, Structure, and Bulk Density Water Movement Over and Through Soil Conclusions Questions References PRESAMPLING Field Office Field Office Laboratory The Project Notebook Maps Preliminary Field Survey Field History Sampling Tools Other Soil Sampling Considerations Safety Sample Containers Transportation and Storage Chain of Custody Analytical Laboratory and Procedures Statistics Other Tools to Consider Modeling Permitting Resources Conclusions Questions References SAFETY Areas of Safety Concern Safety Resources Basic Safety Signage Personnel Exposure Personnel Protection Monitoring Safety at Different Field Types Contamination Types and Concentrations Off-Field Protection MSDS Sheets Merck Index Conclusions Questions References SAMPLING General Sampling Considerations Global Positioning System Ground-Penetrating Radar Remote Sensing Geographical Information Systems Samplers Sample Amount Sample Container Duplicate, Split, and Composite Samples Sampling Strategies Topography Other Sampling Strategies for Different Field Situations Sample Handling Sampling Using GPS Determining Sample Sites Quality Control Labeling Conclusions Questions References STATISTICS Random Numbers Variation Population Hypothesis Median and Mean Standard Deviation Different of Same Population Extraneous Values How Many Samples? Comparing Areas Linear Regression Geostatistics Coregionalization Geostatistical Problems Conclusions Questions References MODELING Physical Models Chemical Models Simple Mathematical Models Landscape Models Modeling Movement of Particles through the Environment Dynamic Models Commercial Computer Modeling GIS and Environmental Modeling Whole Planet Model Conclusions Questions References SAMPLE TREATMENT AND STORAGE Security Containers Controls Transport in the Field Transport Boxes Transport Out of Field Storage Archival Samples Separation of Samples at the Field Office Field Laboratory Handling Transportation to the Commercial Laboratory Storage at the Commercial Analytical Laboratory Chain of Custody Computer Chain of Custody Request for Analysis Conclusions Questions References WHAT IS PRESENT? In Total The Inorganic Components The Organic Components The Biochemical Component The Living Component Conclusions Questions References AN OVERVIEW OF BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICAL MEHTODS Determining the Problem What is the Nature of the Sample? The Sampling Process What Is to Be Sampled and How Is It to Be Sampled Documentation Sample Preparation for Analysis Analytical Testing Analytical Methods - Some Specifics Data Assessment Report Generation and Documentation Do the Results Answer the Client's Question? Some General Questions and Considerations Conclusions Questions References TRAPS, MISTAKES, AND ERRORS History of the Area Area Geology Knowing What Is or Is Likely to Be Present Not Accounting for Inputs, Losses, and Movement Personnel Analyzing of Sampling for the Wrong Component Antagomisms and Interferences Sample Analysis Mismatch Extraction or Method Errors Sample/Test Container Errors Improper Sampling Techniques Variations in Method Movement of a Contaminant Statistical Errors Conclusions Questions References Appendix A: Abbreviations and Acronyms Appendix B: Sources Index