A Term Paper on

SAMPLING SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES

For partial fulfilment of the requirements of the course GNS 301

Instructor: Mr Adediran

Submitted by

name

matric

1
SAMPLING SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES

2
ABSTRACT

Concerning the gathering of data and sampling design, this study identifies the
following Target Population: All statistical students in the public and private
universities.

However, geographical and financial logistics as well as time constraints have

rendered it is impossible for this Research Study to cut across a cross-section of the
entire target population in order to draw out a representative sample and therefore,
the research will deal with an accessible population which is: All statistical
students at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

3
PAPER CONTENTS:
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
DETAILED CONTENTS
CONCLUSION
Reference

4
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. Definition of Terms

A sample is a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are studied to

gain information about the whole (Webster, 1985), while Sampling is the act,
process, or technique of selecting a suitable sample, or a representative part of a
population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the
whole population.

Sampling can also be defined as a process of selecting a portion of material small

enough in volume to be transported conveniently and handled in the laboratory,
while still accurately representing the part of the environment sampled. The main
difficulties in sampling are representativeness and integrity.

There are several systems on which sampling can be carried on; however, the
paper focuses on those sampling systems and procedures for water, air and soil
samples.

The objective of the report is to provide an overview of the sampling systems and
their procedures available to a researcher when dealing with water, soil and air
samples. It also explains the choice in selecting a particular sampler over another
as a function of its merit and sampling condition.

5
Steps needed in carrying out any samplingplan should include, but are not limited
to (EPA 2008):
1. Determining the objectives of the monitoring program.
2. Selecting and accurately analyzing chemical, physical or biological indicators
which are relevant to the objectives of the monitoring program.
3. Selecting the appropriate sampling equipment and important sampling points.
4. Mapping out the location and site to determine the number and type of samples
needed.
5. Obtaining a representative sample or samples.
6. Accurately recording site observations and measurements.
7. Appropriate labeling, preserving, storing and transporting of sample for analysis.
8. Reporting results accurately and completely.
9. Providing informed interpretation.
10. Proper disposal of samples when required.

The basic procedures employed in any sampling activity include:

 Sample point selection: This is the first procedure in sampling. Here the
whole area is observed and a particular point is selected for sampling.
 Sample withdrawal: This is the process of extracting or withdrawing a part
of the stream (sample) from the selected point for assessment and analyses.
 Sample transportation: In this stage, the sample withdrawn is moved from
the point of collection to where it is to be assessed, e.g. a laboratory.
 Sample conditioning: The sample might be contaminated or contain some
elements that can distort the normal operation of the equipment used to
analyze or assess the sample. The removal of these elements or contaminants
is referred to as sample conditioning.

6
 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

Sampling systems should always have the overriding objective of obtaining

samples of the highest possible integrity. A high integrity sample should provide,
at the time of analysis, the best opportunity of determining the amount of chemical
present in that medium as was present at the time the sample was obtained.
Sampling should always be conducted with this objective in mind (Roger Sava
1994).

The procedures sited herein are based on sampling techniques approved and
accepted by health and safety organizations worldwide. People undertaking
sampling must operate within asystem accredited by the National Association
ofTesting Authorities (NATA).

Sampling from a source is a critical step and demands proper analysis.Water

sampling is carried out and to ascertain that it is fit for consumption and other
health factors. Likewise air sampling is carried out to ascertain the percentage of
pollutant in the air and to find remedies as such, while soil sampling will aid our
determination of a greater yield when planting, mining, drilling etc.

The type of sample containers should be selected corresponding to the type of

analyses planned. For example, amber colored glass bottles are used for substances
which breakdown under exposure to light, and commercially pre-sterilized bottles
are used to collect samples for micro-biological testing such as for coli forms
(Roger Sava 1994).

7
 CHAPTER THREE
SAMPLING SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES

3.1 Selecting and Describing Sampling Points/ Locations

Any sampling plan must specifically and accurately identify and describe all
sample collectionpoints.The first step in selecting sampling points or locations for
inclusion in a sampling plan is to review the goals of your sampling program.
Clearly defined objectives simplify the process of identifying appropriate sampling
locations. If your sampling is for process control, then logical sampling points may
be readily apparent. For example, if you want to document the efficiency of your
dewatering equipment, then the best sampling point would be the first accessible
point after the dewatered solids leaves the dewatering device.

When choosing sampling locations, the following factors should be considered:

• Representativeness
• Type of process—batch or continuous
• Accessibility
• Safety

8
3.2. WATER SAMPLING SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES

3.2.1. Water Systems/ Samplers

Water samplers are classified0 based on the type of water sampling operation
carried out. Water sampling is broadly divided into:
 Surface water sampling and
 Ground water sampling

Surface Water Sampling(dugouts and ponds)

Samples from dugouts or ponds may be taken directly from the source or from a
faucet or valve supplied by the water body. Although it is more convenient to
sample from a faucet or valve, this is not always desirable. Depending on the goal
of the analysis it may be better to sample directlyfrom the source even when a
faucet is available.
Surface water sampling is generally accomplished through the use of one of the
following samplers or systems:
 Kemmerer bottle
 Van Doren sampler
 Bacon bomb sampler
 Dip sampler
 Sampling iron
 Sampling stick

Kemmerer bottle: A Kemmerer bottle (Fig. 3.1) may be used in most situations
where site access is from a boat or structure, such as a bridge or pier, and where
samples at specific depths are required. Sampling procedures are as follows:

9
1.Use a properly decontaminated Kemmerer bottle. Set the sampling device so that
the upper and lower stoppers are pulled away from the body, allowing the surface
waterto enter tube.
2.Lower the pre-set sampling device to the predetermined depth. Avoid
disturbance of the bottom.
3.When the Kemmerer bottle is at the required depth, send the weighted messenger
down the suspension line, closing the sampling device.
4.Retrieve the sampler and discharge the first 10-20 milliliters (mL) from the drain
to clear potential contamination from the valve. This procedure may be repeated if
additional sample volume is needed to fulfill analytical requirements. Subsequent
grabs may be composited or transferred directly to appropriate sample containers.

A. 2-dimensional

10
B. Kemmerer bottle being used from a boat C. 3-dimensional
Fig 3.1 kemmerer bottle

Van Doren Sampler: A Van Doren sampler (Fig. 3.2) is used to collect
surfacewater from a very specific sampling depth or from a shallow water body.
Since the sampler is suspended horizontally, the depth interval sampled is the
diameter of the sampling tube. The sampling procedure is as follows:
1.Use a properly decontaminated Van Doren sampler. Set the device so that the
end stoppers are pulled away from the body allowing surface water to enter the
tube.

2.Lower the pre-set sampling device to the predetermined depth. Avoid

disturbance of the bottom.
3.When the Van Doren sampler is at the required depth, send the weighted
messenger down the suspension line, closing the sampling device.

11
4.Retrieve the sampler and discharge the first 10-20 milliliters (mL) from the drain
to clear potential contamination from the valve. This procedure may be repeated if
additional sample volume is needed to fulfill analytical requirements. Subsequent
grabs may be composited or transferred directly to appropriate sample containers.

A.2-D Representation

B. 3-D Representation
Fig. 3.2 Van Doren Sampler

12
Bacon Bomb Sampler: A bacon bomb sampler (Fig.3.3) may be used in situations
similar to those outlined for the Kemmerer bottle. Sampling procedures are as
follows:
1.Lower the bacon bomb sampler carefully to the desired depth, allowing the line
for the trigger to remain slack at all times. When the desired depth is reached,pull
the trigger line until taut. This will allow the sampler to fill.
2.Release the trigger line and retrieve the sampler.
3.Discharge the first 10-20 milliliters (mL) from the drain to clear potential
contamination from the valve. This procedure may be repeated if additional sample
volume is needed to fulfill analytical requirements. Subsequent grabs may be
composited or transferred directly to appropriate sample containers.

Fig. 3.3 bacon bomb sampler

Dip Sampler: A dip sampler (Fig. 3.4) is useful in situations where a sample is to
be recovered from an outfall pipe or along a lagoon bank where direct access is
13
limited. The long handle on such a device allows access from a discrete location.
Sampling procedures are as follows:
1.Assemble the device in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
2.Extend the device to the sample location and collect the sample by dipping the
sampler into the water.
3.Retrieve the sampler and transfer the sample to the appropriate sample
containers.

Fig. 3.4 dip sampler

14
 CHAPTER FOUR
AIR SAMPLING SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES

Air sampling is defined as those sampling and analytical techniques that require
either off- or on-site laboratory analysis and therefore do not provide immediate
results. Typically, air sampling occurs after use of real-time air monitoring
equipment has narrowed the number of possible contaminants and has provided
some qualitative measurement of contaminant concentration. Air sampling
techniques are used to more accurately detect, identify and quantify specific
chemical compounds relative to the majority of air monitoring technologies.

Air monitoring is defined as the use of direct-reading instruments and other

screening or monitoring equipment and techniques that provide instantaneous
(real-time) data on the levels of airborne contaminants. The U.S. EPA/ERT
maintains numerous monitors for real-time measurements. Examples of air
monitoring equipment are hand-held photoionization detectors (PID), flame
ionization detectors (FID), oxygen/combustible gas detectors, and remote optical
sensors.

4.2 AIR SAMPLERS

The “Bucket” – Odors and gases: The Bucket (Fig. 4.1) is an EPA (Environment
Protection Act)- approved sampling device that takes a “snapshot” of air pollution.
The Bucket is a simple 5-gallon bucket that is equipped with an air pump and bag.
It is portable, easy to build, easy to use, and effective. The bucket method of air
sampling takes a “grab” sample and can only test for specific airborne toxins. The
"bucket" is quite literally a nappy bucket which has been adapted to take air
15
samples. Inside the sealed bucket is a Teflon sampling bag. The air is sucked out of
the bucket using a handheld pump, creating a vacuum inside the bucket. Then a
valve attached to the Teflon bag is opened, and air is sucked into the bag to fill the
vacuum in the bucket. Once the bag is filled with air it is removed from the bucket
and sent to a laboratory for testing However, the lab can analyze one sample for
the presence of multiple chemicals. The bucket has been used effectively in
campaigns against polluters around the world.

Advantages

 It is relatively cheap.
 It is one of the easiest and simplest way to sample air

Fig. 4.1 The bucket

A glass fiber filter or quartz fiber filter (fig. 4.2)

Quartz fiber filter medium is most widely used among the fiber filters. Quartz fiber
filters provide high efficiency and collect airborne particles of practically every
size and description. Typical characteristics of quartz fiber filters are

1. A fiber content of high purity quartz.

16
2. A binder of below 5% (zero for binder less types)

3. A thickness of approximately 0.5 mm

4. A surface with no pinholes, and

5. An allowance of no more than 0.05% of smoke particles to pass through the

filter at a pressure of 100mm of water with a flow rate of 8.53 m/min (28 ft/min),
as determined by ASTM-D2986,

Advantages

 compact, portable, unobtrusive, and inexpensive

 Offers indication of average pollution levels over time periods of 8 hours to
weeks/months
 Requires no supervision, is noiseless and can be used in hazardous
environments
 Low cost allows for sampling at multiple locations (e.g., for highlighting
pollution "hotspots"; or determining long term data trends in a specific
geographical area)
 Amenable to personal monitoring (breathing zone), indoor air analysis, and
outdoor ambient air analysis

Fig. 4.4a diffusion Sampler

17
 CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION

The various systems and procedures available to a researcher when dealing with
water, air and soil samples have been treated in details. Illustrations were given in
3D to help the reader understand the working process of the samplers and question-
examples are treated on water, soil and air sampling respectively.

As discussed in this paper, it is now obvious why sampling should be carried out
on water, air and soil samples. As long as our environment continues to change and
the need arises for research to be carried out on any environmental factor, the basic
skills of sampling will have be employed.

18
REFERENCES

1. Compendium of Methods for Inorganic Air Pollutants June 1999

2. De Zorzi P., S. Barbizzi, M. Belli, R. Mufato, G. Sartori and G. Stocchero

Soil sampling strategies: Evaluation of different approaches, Applied
Radiation and Isotopes, (66) 11, 1691-1694. (2008)

3. EPA 2008: Groundwater sampling guidelines, EPA publication 669, EPA

Victoria.

4. General procedures for soil sampling (pdf) www.prosodol.gr

5. Mackerth, F.J., Heron, J., and Talling, J.F. Water analysis: some revised
methods for limnologists. Fresh Water Biological Assoc. The Ferry House,
Ambleside, Cumbria, LA 220LP. 120 p (1968)

6. Malherbe L. Designing a contaminated soil sampling strategy for human

health risk assessment, Accred Qual Assur, 7:189–194 (2002)

7. Merriam Webster Dictionary (1985)

8. Roger Sava, 1994 Guide to sampling air, water, soil and vegetation for
chemical analysis.

19
9. Scott E.M., P. Dixon, G. Voigt, W. Whicker Choice and criteria for selection
of sampling strategies in environmental radioactivity monitoring, Applied
Radiation and Isotopes, 66(11), 1575-1581. (2008)

10.Soils factsheet British Columbia, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and

Fisheries, Order No. 611.100-1, Agdex 533. (2003)

11.Standard operating procedures sop: 2008 page: 1 of 27 rev: 0.0 date:

11/16/94 general air sampling guidelines

12.Tan KH Soil sampling, preparation and analysis. Marcel Dekker, New York,
USA (1995)

13.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1984. Characterization of

Hazardous Waste Sites - A Methods Manual: Volume II. Available
Sampling Methods, Second Edition. EPA/600/4-84-076.

14.Vladimir S., L. Montanarella, N. Filippi, S. Selvaradjou, P. Panagos and J.

Gallego, Soil Sampling Protocol to Certify the Changes of Organic Carbon
Stock in Mineral Soils of European Union. EUR 21576 EN, 12 pp. Office
for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. (2005)

15.Wilde, F.D., D.B. Radtke, J. Gibs and R.T. Iwatsubo. 1998. National Field
Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data - Selection of Equipment
for Water Sampling. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water -
Resources Investigations, Book 9, Chap. A2, variously paged.

20
.

21