USGS


Water Resources--Office of Water Quality

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Chapter A5.pdf

PROCESSING OF WATER SAMPLES   A5

Edited by Fanceska D. Wilde, Dean B. Radtke, Jacob Gibs, and Rick T. Iwatsubo

Sample processing forms a continuum with sample collection (NFM 4) and involves the compositing, subsampling (splitting), filtration, solid-phase extraction, preservation, and shipment of samples. Samples are most vulnerable to sampling artifacts, contamination, incorrect chemical treatment, and mislabeling during sample processing. Samples must be processed as soon as possible after collection.3

Sample processing: the measures taken to prepare and preserve a water sample as or after it is collected and shipped for laboratory analysis.

 

 

3Consult NFM 4 for collection of water samples, and in addition, NFM 1 for field preparations, NFM 2 for equipment selection, NFM 3 for equipment cleaning, NFM 6 for field measurements, NFM 7 for biological indicators, NFM 8 for bottom-material samples, and NFM 9 for field safety.

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