Field Sample Collection
Overview
PPE and EPCs are vital to avoid contamination of people and samples.
Each environment demands care and procedures in sample collection
In each environment of nature there is a characteristic and own micro-biome, we respect these local specificities to identify and genetically develop vocations to consume pollutants and/or toxic agents.
All samples collected in the field have great relevance in our work of providing maintenance and environmental recovery services, at Workgen we employ processes that guarantee the traceability and integrity of the samples throughout the entire work sequence, which begins with the preparation of documentation, sterilized containers, mapping of exact sample collection locations, use of PPE, standardized operating procedures, thermal packaging and transport until arrival at the analysis laboratory and the production of reports.
The samples collected from the study sites are sent to laboratories, accredited by the competent public bodies, in these laboratory studies physical, chemical and biological characteristics will be identified, as well as their treatability conditions, according to the established legal parameters.
As an example, in the State of São Paulo, the resulting reports must include the analysis of the parameters in the Decree 8468/76 , in its article 19A, in line with the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT).
All laboratory procedures must be based on internationally and nationally recognized methodologies, based on rigorous quality control of its processes.
highlights for the Decree 8468/76 - article 16 of the State of São Paulo, effluent analysis being directed through the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater , being one of the most popular methods for the examination of water and wastewater. It is worth mentioning that there are many laboratories that employ different methodologies that are also recognized, such as the EPA or the use of Kits, which in many cases are adaptations of the Standard, EPA and DIN.
Many of the methods used are approved by the APHA (American Public Health Association), AWWA (American Water Works Association) and WEF (Water Environment Federation).
According to Brazilian regulations, laboratories must demonstrate impartiality, transparency, competence, capacity and technical performance to carry out the analyzes and be accredited by (INMETRO) National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology and General Accreditation Coordination - CGCRE, .
the norm NBR ISO/IEC 17025:2005 from ABNT , discusses the competences of laboratories, ensuring that they produce accurate, reliable, reproducible and traceable information.
Reports that are not produced by laboratories that are within the standard are not accepted by CETESB, as established by the State Secretariat for the Environment of the State of São Paulo, SMA 90/2012 resolution.
It is important to note that this resolution prohibits companies that generate effluents from collecting their samples and taking them to the analysis laboratories.
The use of accredited laboratories is vital so that all legal environmental standards are respected and so that the competent bodies can avoid penalties, fines and even interdiction by sealing.
Returning to routine sample collections, a reliable sequence of activity to extract samples from the environment ensures that we have error-free and contamination-free results, thus allowing for the unique selection and development of the microbial cultures found in each environment.
Samples can be extracted from urban or rural areas, liquids or solids, from countless environments that can be more or less aggressive and hostile to microbial life, however, due to constant environmental changes, the samples are not the same, the collection planning must be careful to provide a sufficient quantity of samples to carry out all the tests required.
Important points:
- The sample collection methodology
- Specific locations within the environment
- Repetition and regularity
- Contamination of samples
- Transport and validity
- Handling and storage
Procedures and Care to not contaminate samples collected in the field
Sample Collection Planning
There are several manuals and procedures for taking samples of liquids and solids, as references for taking liquid samples of water, we have the following Brazilian Registered Norms (NBR) of the Brazilian Association of Technical Norms (ABNT) and the Standard Methods for Water and Wastewater, 21st ed.:
- NBR 9896 - Glossary of water pollution - AGO 1993;
- NBR 9897 - Planning of sampling of liquid effluents and receiving bodies - Jun 1987
- NBR 9898 - Preservation and sampling techniques of liquid effluents and receiving bodies - Jun 1987
- NBR ISO/IEC 17025 – General requirements for testing and calibration laboratory competence – Jan 2001;
- Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, 21st ed. (2005).
Summary Retreat:
Representative sampling plan
Sample
collection bottles
field analysis
Preservation of samples
Identification
Packaging and Transport
Material Required (minimum)
- PPE and EPCs
- GPS;
- Camera;
- Procedure gloves;
- Thermal box or styrofoam box with recyclable ice;
- Sterile bottle;
- Thermometer 0º to 50ºC;
- Equipment or material for pH determination;
- Alcohol at 70ºGL;
- Pen for writing on glass or plastic with water resistant ink or adhesive label;
- Collection form
- Among others
Documentation
The entire collection procedure must be documented, including photos. The precise location of the collection points must be achieved through a GPS (Global Positioning System). Each sample (one or more vials) must be accompanied by a collection form and Chain of Custody procedures must be initiated.
The Chain of Custody is a process of documenting the chronological history of the sample, to ensure their suitability and tracking. This gives confidence that the integrity of the sample has not been compromised if the samples are for legal purposes or if there is any suspicion that the samples could be tampered with at any stage of the process (from collection to analysis).
The collection form must have at least the following information:
a) Identification Code;
b) Requesting authority;
c) Identification of the sampling point and its location;
d) Source of the sample (effluent, river, lake, etc.)
e) Depth at which the sample was collected;
f) Weather conditions at the time of collection and in the immediately preceding period; g) Parameters analyzed in the field and their results;
h) Parameters to be analyzed in the laboratory;
i) Chain of custody:
a) Name of technician who collected date, time, signature;
b) Name of the technician who carried out the transport, date, time, signature;
c) Name of technician who received the sample at the laboratory, date, time and signature.
j) Space to note changes on any abnormal occurrences related to sampling, as well as as any special conditions that may provide data of importance for the interpretation of the results.
Good work practices produce good results.
We obtain genetically compatible microorganisms by
combating environmental pollutants.
In our routine analyses, the following are common:
-Laboratory tests for monthly control of quality. (DBO, COD, SST, coliforms faecal, turbidity, PH and oils and greases).
- Toxicity analysis
- Laboratory tests for the efficiency of biomass with material sample.
