als environmental...15 right solutions • right partner sample hold times • some parameters...

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Right Solutions • Right Partner

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ALS Environmental

Understanding TSS Sampling Methods and Legal Sampling

Requirements


Agenda

• The Sources of TSS and Turbidity

• Chemistry

• Analytical Method

• Sample Handling

© Jasmeen Jatana


What is TSS and Turbidity?

TSS- Any Particles that are larger

than 2 microns in water column.

- Clay, Silt, Algae, Sand

Turbidity- Turbidity is optical

determination of water clarity. The

turbidity of water is based on the

amount of light scattered by

particles in the water column

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Sources of Suspended Solids- Natural

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Sources of Suspended Solids- Human

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Turbidity Vs TSS

• Turbidity and TSS are the most

visible indicators of water

quality.

• A sudden increase in turbidity

in a previously clear body of

water is a cause for concern

• Turbidity is not directly related

to TSS in addition to

suspended solids ,turbidity can

include dissolved organic

matter and dye color

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TSS Measurements

• This analysis is carried out using procedures adapted

from APHA Method 2540 "Solids". Solids are determined

gravimetrically. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are

determined by filtering a sample through a glass fiber

filter.

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TSS Measurements

• TSS is determined by drying

the filter at 104 degrees

Celsius. Samples containing

very high dissolved solid

content (i.e. seawaters,

brackish waters) may

produce a positive bias by

this method.

• Detection limit is 3mg/L

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Preparing to sample

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Sampling Containers

• It is extremely important to have the appropriate bottles,

preservatives and volumes for your analytical

requirements.

• Ask the lab questions and have them provide specific

information for your list of parameters.

• Send your requirements in writing (email or fax).

• Get extra bottles…why

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Additional Supplies

• Your bottle order should include coolers, Chain of Custody (CofC) forms, and ice packs (if necessary).

• Things you should have on supply:

• water-proof pens

• gloves

• filtering equipment if required

• notebook and tape measure

• packing material

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Sampling Containers

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Sample Preservation

• Preserving samples will stabilize them for transportation

to the lab while maintaining the composition of the

sample as close to what it was at the time of sampling.

• Preservation helps to:

• Fix components of interest

• Prevent oxidation

• Prevent bacteria growth

• Prevent precipitation

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Sample Preservation

• Biological, chemical and physical changes may be

influenced by:

• Storage temperature

• Exposure to light

• The nature of the sample container

• Time between sampling and analysis

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Sample Hold Times

• Some parameters require short holding times. BOD, coliforms, and

microtox, to name a few, can be affected by bacteria or microorganism

growth.

• Samples that require filtering and preserving must be done ASAP to

stabilize the analytes (always best to be done in the field).

• Preservation is only temporary:

• species may convert

• volatiles may evaporate

See reverse side of CofC, the bottle order form sent with your order or your cheat sheet.

© Jasmeen Jatana


Sampling Errors

• Some common areas of concern:

• Location choice

• Method of collection

• Contamination (sampling equipment)

• Cross contamination

• Handling/storage/transport

• Sub-sampling and composite sampling procedures

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Tips on Sampling

• Do not put lids face down on

surfaces

• Change gloves throughout sampling

& wash hands regularly

• Do not use metal sampling tools for

trace metals

• Do not use plastic

bottles/equipment for trace organics

• Decontaminate equipment between

locations & store in clean area

• No smoking while sampling

• Keep equipment in good repair

• Do not sample downstream of

bridges, abutments, etc.

• Keep work area as clean as possible

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Labels

• Standard Labels

– Must Match Sample ID on COC

– Date/Time

– Filtration / Preservation

– Hazardous/Heavily Contam.?

– Default Reference for ID (not lid)

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Sample Receipt Confirmation

• Common Sample Integrity Observations:

– Required containers not received

– Containers broken in transit

– Bottles / pres. incompatible w/ req’d. test

– Volume insufficient for test / low vol.

– Sample(s) listed on CofC but not received

– COC not received

© Jasmeen Jatana

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