Sampling and Analysis of Environmental Chemical Pollutants

Sampling and Analysis of Environmental Chemical Pollutants, A Complete Guide, Second Edition promotes the knowledge of data collection fundamentals and offers technically solid procedures and basic techniques that can be applied to daily workflow solutions. The book’s organization emphasizes the practical issues facing the project scientist. In focusing the book on data collection techniques that are oriented toward the project objectives, the author clearly distinguishes the important issues from the less relevant ones. Stripping away the layers of inapplicable or irrelevant recommendations, the book centers on the underlying principles of environmental sampling and analytical chemistry and summarizes the universally accepted industry practices and standards.

This Guide is a resource that will help students and practicing professionals alike better understand the issues of environmental data collection, capitalize on years of existing sampling and analysis practices, and become more knowledgeable and efficient in the task at hand.

• The three phases of environmental chemical data collection (planning, implementation, and assessment) are explained in a logical and concise manner.
• A discussion on the physical and chemical properties of environmental chemical pollutants promotes the understanding of their fate and transport.
• A chapter on common analytical chemistry techniques, methods of compound quantitation, and laboratory quality control and quality assurance may be used as a standalone introduction to instrumental analytical chemistry.
• Eleven case studies demonstrate the application of the Data Quality Objectives process to the development of sampling designs and illustrate specific data interpretation problems.
• Numerous call-out boxes in each chapter offer practical tips on widely used industry practices, which originate from years of experience in the field.
• Appendices contain the most frequently used action levels and reference material, calculation aides, and useful field forms and checklists.
• Authored by an analytical chemist and environmental pollutant expert with more than 30 years of experience in research and industry.

Analytical chemists, environmental scientists conducting research on pollutants

1. The Sample and the Error 
1.1. The Concept of Relevant and Valid Data 
1.2. Importance of a Stepwise Approach 
1.3. Seven Steps of the Sample’s Life 
1.4. Total Error and Its Sources 
1.5. Total Error and Data Usability

2. Environmental Chemical Pollutants 
2.1. Pollutant Classification
2.2. Physical and Chemical Properties and Fate and Transport Indicators
2.3. Volatile Organic Compounds
2.4. Persistent Organic Pollutants
2.5. Toxic Metals
2.6. Regulatory Overview and Action Levels

3. Bird’s Eye View of Project Planning 
3.1. What are Data Quality Objectives? 
3.2. Definitive, Screening, and Effective Data 
3.3. How to Navigate the Analytical Method Maze 
3.4. Sampling Strategies 
3.5. Field Quality Control and Quality Assurance Samples 
3.6. Cost Estimate 
3.7. Planning Documents 
3.8. Analytical Method and Laboratory Selection 
3.9. Preparedness and Coordination 

4. Practical Approach to Sampling 
4.1. Seven Steps of the Sampling Process 
4.2. Sample Custody and Tracking 
4.3. Sample Preservation Techniques 
4.4. Sample Packaging and Shipment 
4.5. Soil Sampling Designs and Methods 
4.6. Water Sampling 
4.7. Surface Sampling with Wipes 
4.8. Equipment Decontamination 
4.9. Field Measurements 
4.10. Field Records 

5. Understanding the Analytical Laboratory 
5.1. Requirements for Laboratory Operation 
5.2. Laboratory Organization 
5.3. The Seven Steps of Laboratory Process 
5.4. Analytical Techniques and Their Applications 
5.5. Compound Quantitation 
5.6. Laboratory Quality Assurance 

6. Data Quality Assessment 
6.1. Data Evaluation 
6.2. The Seven Steps of Data Evaluation 
6.3. The Seven Steps of the Data Quality Assessment