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The sample sizes, preservation procedures, holding times and conditions for air, aqueous and solid samples are recommendations and should be used as a guide.
Base your decision on the nature of the sample, the intended use of the data and the data quality objectives, e.g. alternative storage conditions are acceptable if analyte stability within a matrix can be demonstrated and data quality objectives are not compromised.
In a given sample, the analyte requiring the most preservation treatment as well as the shortest holding time should dictate the preservation treatment of the sample overall.
A downloadable PDF for solid and aqueous samples can be obtained here.
For further information please contact customerservice@measurement.gov.au, 1300 722 845 or use our on-line form.
AS 3550.1:1988 Methods for the Analysis of Waters — Determination of Dissolved Sulphide — Spectrophotometric Method
AS/NZS 5667.1:1998 Water Quality — Sampling — Guidance on the Design of Sampling Programs, Sampling Techniques and the Preservation and Handling of Samples
ASTM D1946 Standard Practice for Analysis of Reformed Gas by Gas Chromatography
APHA Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 22nd edition, American Public Health Association
CARB429 Method 429 — Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Emissions from Stationary Sources, California Air Resources Board
MassDep APH Method for the Determination of Air-phase Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
NAGD National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging 2009, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
NEPM National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999, Schedule B(3) amended 2013, NSW Environmental Protection Authority
US EPA MIO-3.1 Compendium of Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Compounds in Ambient Air, Method IO-3.1 Selection, Preparation and Extraction of Filter Material)
US EPA SW-846 Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods
Other US EPA Test Method Collections
During sampling, do not to rinse out or spill preservatives
Avoid cross-contaminating bottles (e.g. nitric acid used for metals can contaminate nitrate analysis)
Some tests must minimise exposure to air to avoid analyte losses
If tests require the addition of preservatives prior to sampling, contact NMI beforehand to facilitate supply of appropriate containers
For tests marked with a “†”, if residual chlorine is present, add 80 mg sodium thiosulphate per 1000 mL of sample.
Field filtration is mandatory or recommended for many tests:
In the sample size column below, * indicates that larger volumes are required for lower limiting of reporting analyses.
† If residual chlorine is present, add 80 mg sodium thiosulphate per 1000 mL of sample.
During sampling, do not to rinse out or spill preservatives.
Avoid cross-contaminating bottles (e.g. nitric acid used for metals can contaminate nitrate analysis).
Some tests must minimise exposure to air to avoid analyte losses.
If tests require the addition of preservatives prior to sampling, contact NMI beforehand to facilitate supply of appropriate containers.
Many of the preservatives are hazardous chemicals (eg strong acids, alkaline solutions) and they must be handled with care — we recommend you wear safety glasses and gloves.
For product water, please supply (as would be delivered to the consumer) at least 15 L in sealed containers all with the same packing date or UBD. If pack size is greater than 15 L, please supply one unit as a sealed package — do not split or sub-sample bulk containers.