PROGRAMS AND PLANS--Instructions for use of sediment samplers for the collection of samples to be analyzed for organic substances





                                           November 8, 1971


QUALITY OF WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 72.04

Subject:  PROGRAMS AND PLANS--Instructions for use of
          sediment samplers for the collection of samples 
          to be analyzed for organic substances

Suspended sediments and bed material in streams, and bottom 
deposits in lakes and estuaries, often constitute sinks for 
toxic constituents that are sorbed on sediments.  Quality of 
Water Branch Memoranda 71.05 and 71.09 have presented 
discussion and guidelines for sampling and analysis of water-
quality constituents associated with these solid materials.  
In order to prevent contamination of such samples, however, 
much care must be taken before and during the collection 
procedure.  River sampling for organics in bed material 
generally has been limited to those sites which can be waded, 
where samples of bed material could be collected using 
laboratory cleaned wide-mouth glass bottles.  Capability for 
sampling both suspended sediment and bed material in deeper 
water is needed, however.  In order to meet this need, the 
Branch staff has prepared the attached instructions for the 
use of standard sediment samplers in obtaining samples to be 
analyzed for organic substances.


                                 W.H. Durum

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