Standards methods in Soil sampling and sample preparation
INTRODUCTION
A comparative study of various methods of preparation of soils, bottom sediments, and solid wastes for atomic absorption analysis is performed. A procedure of AAS determination of metals in solid samples is proposed with the use of several methods of sample preparation: autoclave, microwave, ultrasound, and method of acidic extraction in open vessels. The recommended conditions of microwave decomposition are given for samples of soil, bottom sediments, rocks, and wastes of processing of copper sulfide ores.
objectives
The first stage in soil investigations is to establish clear sampling objectives. These must define why and how samples are being collected, and lead to the formulation of the sampling strategy (eg, where to collect the samples). The sampling objectives will be site specific and depend on the purpose of the investigation (as defined by the DQOs). Common sampling objectives include:
To establish the type and location of sources of contamination
To establish the nature, degree and extent of contaminant distribution (both vertically and laterally
To verify that the contamination on site has been reduced to below an established value (eg, following clean-up of a chemical spill)
To determine the nature of material for waste characterization.
Check clearance of underground and above-ground services
Ensure the availability of suitably trained and qualified site personnel
Review the sampling and analysis plan and obtain the appropriate sampling equipment, including containers from the analytical laboratory and storage containers, and make sample transport arrangements
Check and calibrate field instruments, as necessary
Arrange for sampling equipment decontamination
Arrange for the suitable disposal of excess soil, wash water and any contaminated materials (such as gloves) generated during the works
Ensure the availability and suitability of the required contractors
Prepare a health, safety and environment plan (HSEP), 3 which should include
An assessment of the on-site hazards
Measures to eliminate, isolate or minimise these hazards for the tasks proposed
Emergency response measures
Site-specific training needs
Protective equipment.
TRAINING METHODOLOGY
This training course will combine presentations with instructor-guided interactive discussions between participants relating to their individual workplace. Practical exercises, video material and case studies aiming at stimulating these discussions and providing maximum benefit to the participants will support the training.
This interactive training course includes the following training methodologies as a percentage of the total tuition hours:
- 30% Lectures, Concepts, Role Play
- 30% Workshops & Work Presentations, Techniques
- 20% Based on Case Studies & Practical Exercises
- 20% Videos, Software & General Discussions
- Pre and Post Test
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals employed in Chemical Laboratories, but it will be particularly beneficial to:
- Laboratory managers
- Scientific personnel of laboratories, like chemists, chemical engineers, environmental engineers, process/shift engineers
- Laboratory technicians and newly recruited staff of chemical laboratories
- Instrument operators in chemical laboratories
outline
Day 1
Health, safety and environmental considerations
purpose of the investigation
sampling objectives
information about the site (location, history and conceptual site model with contaminants identified)
sampling pattern and strategy to be used
field screening or on-site testing requirements
location, depth, type and number of samples to collect
sampling method(s) to be used
order of sample collection (where practical, sampling should start at the part of the site suspected to be least contaminated to minimise the possibility of any cross-contamination)
quality assurance / quality control requirements
decontamination procedures
handling and sample preservation requirements
sample transport and holding times
laboratory contact details.
Day 2
The soil-sampling strategy should be consistent with the sampling objectives, and the rationale for the sample pattern chosen must be based on the DQOs. There are three types of sampling patterns commonly used
judgmental
systematic
stratified
. Day 3
Field-screening techniques
Field-screening techniques used before a detailed site investigation, or as part of the investigation strategy. Field-screening methods are used to:
define the soil contamination cost-effectively and assist in limiting the extent of an investigation
refine the sampling locations
identify samples to be analysed.
Non-intrusive techniques
Soil-screening techniques
. Day 4
. Collecting a representative soil sample
Number of samples
Sampling depth
Soil-sampling techniques
Composite sampling
Background samples
. Day 5
Sample handling and transport
Chain of custody procedures
Decontamination
Field quality assurance (QA) / quality control (QC)
Field QC samples
Chemical, biological and radiological hazards
Schedule
- 08:30 – 10:15 First Session
- 10:15 – 10:30 Coffee Break
- 10:30 – 12:15 Second Session
- 12:15 – 12:30 Coffee Break
- 12:30 – 14:00 Third Session
- 14:00 – 15:00 Lunch
Fees
The Fee for the seminar, including instruction materials, documentation, lunch, coffee/tea breaks & snack :