Sampling and Analysis of Environmental Chemical 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