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SOP#: 2013
DATE: 11/17/15
REV. #: 0.0
SURFACE WATER SAMPLING
1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
This standard operating procedure (SOP) is applicable to the collection of grab samples from
Carter Creek on the Texas A&M University golf course.
These are standard (i.e., typically applicable) operating procedures which may be varied or
changed as required, dependent upon site conditions, equipment limitations or limitations
imposed by the procedure or other procedure limitations. In all instances, the ultimate
procedures employed should be documented and associated with the final report.
Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) endorsement or recommendation for use.
2.0 METHOD SUMMARY
Sampling from the above mentioned source will be accomplished through the use of two
different sampling devices:
­ Dipper sampler (Figure 1, Appendix A)
­ Bailer sampler (Figure 2, Appendix A)
These sampling techniques will allow for the collection of representative samples from the
surface waters encountered at this site. After sampling has been completed, water testing for
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2. coliform bacteria needs to be completed. This is achieved using and making serial dilutions
from the samples and inoculating EMB plates allowing bacterial growth for observation.
Hanna checkers were used to analyze and assess concentrations of marine alkalinity, chlorine,
phosphate and nitrite of our samples.
3.0 SAMPLE PRESERVATION, CONTAINERS, HANDLING, AND
STORAGE
Once samples have been collected, the following procedure should be followed:
1. Transfer the sample(s) into suitable, labeled sample containers. Glass
jars with PE screw lids and labels are appropriate for these samples. A
glass Dissolved Oxygen bottle will also be used.
2. No preservatives are used in storing these water samples. Instead the
sealed glass containers are placed in a cooler with ice packs.
3. Record all pertinent data in the logbook.
4. Complete the Chain of Custody record.
5. Attach custody seals to cooler prior to shipment.
6. Decontaminate all sampling equipment prior to the collection of
additional samples with that sampling device.
4.0 INTERFERENCES AND POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
There are two primary interferences or potential problems with surface water
sampling. These include cross contamination of samples and improper sample
collection.
1. Cross contamination problems can be eliminated or minimized through the use of
dedicated sampling equipment. If this is not possible or practical, then decontamination
of sampling equipment is necessary. In our case, we used deionized water to rinse the
dip sampler in between samples taken.
2. Improper sample collection can involve using contaminated equipment and sampling in
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3. an obviously disturbed area. To avoid disturbing subsequent sample areas, sample
downstream first and move upstream for each of the four samples taken.
5.0 EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS
Equipment needed for collection of surface water samples may include (depending on
technique chosen):
­ Dipper
­ Bailer
­ Glass sample jars with PE screw lids
­ Ice Pack
­ Cooler
­ Chain of Custody records
­ Custody seal
­ Decontamination equipment/DI water bottle
­ Maps/plot plan
­ Safety equipment/gloves/vests
­ Garmin GPS
­ Tape measure
­ Survey stakes
­ Camera
­ Logbook/pen/field data sheet
­ Sample bottle labels
­ Extech meter
­ DO glass bottle
6.0 REAGENTS
No reagents will be utilized for preservation of sample. For decontamination of sampling
equipment DI water will be used to rinse equipment between uses.
7.0 PROCEDURES
7.1 PREPARATION
1. Determine the extent of the sampling effort, the sampling methods to be employed
(Grab samples), and the types and amounts of equipment and supplies needed (See
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4. equipment list above).
2. Obtain the necessary sampling and monitoring equipment.
3. Ensure that all equipment it is in working order prior to traveling to the site.
4. Perform a general site survey prior to site entry.
5. Use Garmin GPS and follow coordinates to specific sampling location along Carter
Creek.
6. Use stakes to identify and mark all sampling locations. Four samples are needed from
the site along the creek. Using the stakes to identify the sampling locations, a stake is
placed at our GPS coordinate point. The tape measure is used to measure sixteen feet
downstream from the original point, placing stakes at four feet increments along the
tape measure.
7.2 REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING CONSIDERATIONS
In order to collect a representative sample, the hydrology and morphometrics of a stream or
impoundment should be determined prior to sampling. This will aid in determining the flow
patterns in the stream and appropriate sample locations and depths.
Water quality measurements such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, conductivity, TSS
and salinity can assist in the interpretation of analytical data selection of sampling sites and
depths when surface water samples are collected.
Generally, the deciding factors in the selection of a sampling device for sampling liquids on
this site include:
1. Will the sample be collected from shore? The four samples in our case are taken from
the shore as Carter Creek is only a few feet in width.
2. What is the desired depth at which you wish to collect the sample? Due to Carter
Creek’s shallow depth, samples are taken from the surface.
3. What is the overall depth and flow direction of the stream? Depth is relatively shallow
and flow direction is due east toward George Bush Drive.
4. What type of sample will be collected? Grab samples are appropriate for this site.
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7.3 SAMPLE COLLECTION
These steps must be followed when sampling to get full representativeness of our site, while
limiting any potential contamination. After preparation and sampling locations are defined,
sample collection can begin. With proper PPE, the first sample should be taken at the sample
point furthest downstream to prevent contamination. The procedure includes:
1. Starting at the last stake, placed sixteen feet downstream of the original GPS point​, t​he
field sampler places the dipper into the water near the surface at the center of the creek
with the open end facing upstream.
2. The sample is then poured from the dipper into the glass container held by another team
member. A small portion of the sample should be left in the dipper to be tested with the
extech meter for pH, TDS, salinity and electrical conductivity values. Results should be
recorded in the logbook.
3. To prevent contamination of subsequent samples by disrupting the sediments in the
creek, do not pour the remaining water back into the creek but instead extend the dipper
to the opposite bank and dump the excess water there.
4. The sample label should be filled out and placed on the glass container before placing the
sample into the cooler for storage and transport.
5. Next the dipper is rinsed with distilled water to prevent contamination of other samples.
6. A rinsate sample should be taken while rinsing equipment between use to ensure that the
decontamination procedure is effective.
7. Repeat steps 1­5 for the three other samples, making sure to sample upstream from each
previous point.
8. At one of the sampling locations, use the dipper to collect a duplicate sample to place into
the DO glass bottle. Make sure to fill this bottle completely to prevent oxygen bubbles as
this will affect the dissolved oxygen reading. Secure the stopper, label the bottle and
place in the cooler with the other samples.
9. A background sample should be taken at a predetermined location upstream from the
sampling location with the bailer by removing the stopper and lowering the bailer into the
water.
10. Fill out all appropriate documentation i.e. field data sheets, chain of custody records and
the custody seal before sending to the laboratory for analysis.
7.4 WATER TESTING PROCEDURES
Following sampling collection, perform water testing and plating for coliform bacteria in your
samples.
1. Using Hanna checkers, assess concentration of marine alkalinity, chlorine, nitrite and
phosphate. These checkers are used to analyze the samples.
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6. 2. Create serial dilutions of 10^­1 and 10^­2 of all of the samples collected. Including the
rinsate and background.
3. Acquire two plates for each sample(12 plates total)
4. Be sure to label each plate with the sample number (or type), the dilution ratio, date, and
name of company that plates the sample.
5. Once the dilutions are complete and plates are labeled, one can begin plating the diluted
water samples.
6. Sample 1, with a 10^­1 dilution gets placed in the correlating plate, and with a gentle
wave motion be sure to spread the sample evenly throughout the plate. This process is
then repeated with sample 1, 10^­2.
7. Repeat step 6 with the remaining 10 samples.
8. Once all samples are plated, they must be sealed with Parafilm to ensure there is no
contamination of other samples in lab.
9. Place all 12 plated samples in a box and give the samples one week to develop colonies.
10. Once the allotted time is up, observe the plates.
11. Record the percent coverage of bacteria on each plate, and record in logbook for later
use. (see Appendix A Figure 6)
8.0 CALCULATIONS
For calculations and field data records from the field, refer to figure 3 of appendix A. This
figure gives the overall basic conditions of the site, as well as information recorded from the
extech meter on the various samples collected. Figure 4 and 6 show the results in overall
percent coverage of coliform bacteria grown on the EMB agar plates across all samples. Figure
5 shows results from the chemical analyses of the first sample. DO is the important value to
recognize here. Our DO value was found to be 6 ppm, as hypothesized. Carter’s creek was
expected to have intermediate to low DO and moderate biodiversity. Our alkalinity value
reached 235 ppm, indicating cloudy and poor water quality conditions.
9.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL
As a Quality Assurance/Quality Control measure, a rinsate sample should be taken in
between two of the water samples to ensure that the decontamination process is being carried
out successfully. A background sample should also be taken at a predetermined location
upstream from the original sampling location.
10.0 DATA VALIDATION
The results of the rinsate came back normal as seen from figure 4 of the percent coverage
coliform contaminated EMB plate . We also encountered no issues with the COC.
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11.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY
When working with potentially hazardous materials, follow U.S. EPA, OSHA and corporate
health and safety procedures. This site is expected to contain various contaminants including
fecal coliform and other pollutants hazardous to public health, welfare or the environment.
Proper precautions and appropriate PPE must be worn.
More specifically, when sampling the creek that contains known or suspected hazardous
substances, adequate precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of sampling personnel.
The sampling team member collecting the sample should not get too close to the edge of the
creek bank where bank failure may cause the sampler to lose their balance. The person
performing the sampling should ensure secure footing and be wearing adequate protective
equipment. Adequate protective equipment in this case includes proper eyewear, safety vest
and gloves.
12.0 REFERENCES
U.S. Geological Survey. 1977. National Handbook or Recommended Methods for Water Data
Acquisition. Office of Water Data Coordination Reston, Virginia. (Chapter Updates
available).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1984. Characterization of Hazardous Waste Sites­ A
Methods Manual: Volume II. Available Sampling Methods, Second Edition.
EPA/600/4­84­076
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8. APPENDIX A
FIGURES
Figure 1. Dip Sampler
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9. APPENDIX A (continued)
Figure 2. Bailer Sampler
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10. APPENDIX A (continued)
Figure 3. Field Logbook
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11. APPENDIX A (Continued)
Figure 4. Percent coverage Coliform contaminated EMB
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12. APPENDIX A (Continued)
Figure 5. Chemical Analyses Sheet
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13. APPENDIX A (Continued)
Figure 6: Data for Bacteria Coverage on EMB Plates
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