Clean Up The method by which an environmental sample is collected can make all the difference as to whether or not that sample meets regulatory criteria  or whether data subsequently generated from chemical analyses are determined valid. Unintentional contamination can occur from any number of different sources, and clean sampling techniques are now widely recognized as critical to the defensibility of data. Much of historical metals data derived from earlier sampling efforts in marine and freshwater environments is now regarded as questionable, if not completely unusable. For example, a first interpretation of the data at right would lead one to believe that the average ocean metal concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and mercury have diminished over 18 years; in reality, however, this graph illustrates how recently developed sampling techniques have enabled a more accurate measurement of true ambient metal concentrations in the environment. We haven’t cleaned up the ocean; we’ve cleaned up our sampling and analytical techniques.
Metals contamination can come from numerous sources: dust, hand lotions, make-up, clothing, breathing over samples, and other mechanisms. Using correct equipment and reagents can make a big difference. Depending on the scope of the project, Battelle provides on-site training, over-the-phone advice, and necessary equipment to ensure that samples Newly established standards for water quality criteria for many metals are lower than ever before; to determine levels at the sub-part-per-billion or per-trillion level, clean sampling techniques are absolutely essential. Battelle is available to help clients follow clean method procedures, thereby ensuring that by using the best technical knowledge available, the resulting metals data can be trusted. For more information, contact Laurie A. Niewolny at (360) 681-3689 or via e-mail at laurie.niewolny@pnl.gov. |
The general guidance manual on clean sampling techniques is the Environmental Protection Agency-published document, “Method 1669: Sampling Ambient Water for Trace Metals at EPA Water Quality Criteria Levels.” However, reading Method 1669 and applying the principles are two entirely different things. Battelle, which specializes in ultra-low-level trace metals analysis and, in fact, was instrumental in the development of the EPA 1600-series methods for speciation of arsenic and mercury and the development of clean sampling techniques, routinely teaches clean sampling techniques to clients who prefer to collect their own samples for analyses.
collected will generate data that are as accurate as possible. Battelle has documented marked improvements of results before and after training in clean sampling techniques and proper equipment use. On numerous occasions, the improvements have resulted in clients’ meeting regulatory limits that previously had been exceeded. 
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