QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WELL
ILLUSTRATED.
1. Primary goal of sampling in wastewater management ANS >>> To obtain
representa- tive samples that provide accurate data for compliance monitoring,
process control, or research purposes.
2. Two main types of samples used in wastewater sampling ANS >>> Grab
samples and composite samples.
3. When should a grab sample be used ANS >>> When a sample is needed to
represent the conditions at a specific point in time.
4. What is a composite sample ANS >>> A collection of individual samples taken at
regular intervals over a period, combined to reflect average conditions.
5. Why is sample preservation important in wastewater sampling ANS >>> To
prevent changes in the sample composition due to chemical reactions, biological
activity, or physical changes during storage and transport.
6. Common preservatives used in wastewater sampling ANS >>> Acidification
(e.g., with sulfuric acid) to lower pH, refrigeration, and the use of chemical
preservatives to inhibit biological activity.
7. Purpose of a Chain of Custody (COC) in sampling ANS >>> It is a legal record
that tracks the possession, handling, and location of samples from collection to
analysis, ensuring sample integrity and admissibility in legal proceedings.
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, 8. Safety precautions during sampling ANS >>> Use personal protective
equipment (PPE), follow safety protocols for handling hazardous materials, and
ensure proper training in sampling procedures.
9. How should samples be transported to the laboratory ANS >>> In a
manner that preserves their integrity, typically in coolers with ice packs to
maintain a low tem- perature.
10. Role of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) in sampling ANS >>> To
ensure the reliability and accuracy of sampling and analysis by minimizing errors
and verifying that methods meet regulatory standards.
11. pH in the context of wastewater sampling ANS >>> pH is a measure of the
acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with a scale ranging from 0 to 14. It is crucial in
wastewater treatment to ensure that the water is neither too acidic nor too
alkaline, which can affect both the treatment process and the environment.
12. How is turbidity relevant to wastewater management ANS >>> Turbidity
refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of
individual particles. It is an important parameter in assessing water quality, as high
turbidity can indicate the presence of pollutants.
13. What is a grab sample in the context of industrial wastewater sampling
ANS >>> A grab sample is a single sample collected at a specific time and place that
represents the composition of the wastewater at that moment. It is used to assess
immediate conditions.
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