Corporate Training By Zack Academy - Collecting and Handling of Water Samples for Trace Metal Analysis

This Collecting and Handling of Water Samples for Trace Metal Analysis course is designed for anyone collecting ambient water samples for the analysis of low-level total and dissolved mercury and other trace metals, as well as various metals species (including methylmercury and inorganic arsenic species). This one-day course will include a half-day in a classroom with lectures covering the circumstances in which low-level detection limits would be desired or required, EPA analytical methods that must be used, proper handling and preservation of samples, necessary sampling supplies, considerations that should be made prior to and during sampling activities in order to collect samples correctly and avoid contamination, various sampling and field-filtration techniques, and field quality assurance sample collection requirements.*

The second half of the day, students will engage in hands-on field exercises, where they will be given the opportunity to practice several surface water sampling protocols using various sample collection methods and following the “Clean Hands/Dirty Hands sampling techniques. Time permitting, sample collection techniques and recommendations for additional sample matrices may be discussed that are specific to the student’s needs and area of interest. See the “Course Topics” area below for topic list.

Course Topics

• Why the Need for Low-Level Metals Detection? Reasons why low-level metals detection and EPA Sample Collection Method 1669 is desired and becoming required. A brief discussion regarding the Clean Water Act, Total Maximum Daily Loads, and drivers for low-level detection.
• EPA 1600 Series Methods: Various EPA Analytical Methods (1600-series) available for trace metals analysis. Instruction will also be provided for proper handling and preservation of samples prior to or immediately following laboratory receipt.
• Sampling Supplies & Equipment: The correct equipment and supplies that MUST be used in order to successfully collect a water sample for trace-level metals analysis. Surface and subsurface sampling supplies will be discussed, including equipment needed for proper field filtration.
• Considerations Before & During Sample Collection: In order to obtain credible and scientifically defensible data, considerations should be made before and during sample collection. The instructor will discuss what should be included in a sample analysis plan when collecting ambient water quality samples for low-level metals analysis. Participants will gain an understanding of different sources of contamination or interferences that can cause problems with trace metals analysis and ways to avoid contamination.
• Clean Hands/Dirty Hands Sampling Technique: EPA Method 1669 “Clean Hands/Dirty Hands” for several different sampling methods and a practical demonstration.
  
  

Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for supervisors, field sampling staff, wastewater treatment facility staff, consultants, engineers and students interested in successfully sampling wastewater influents/effluents, stormwater and ambient receiving waters for mercury and metals at EPA and State discharge and water quality criteria level.

What's Included?

Lunch will be provided, please dress weather/outdoor appropriate for the field portion of the course.

Please bring a pen or pencil, and notepad if you would like to take notes (you may also choose to take notes in your book). Please be aware that the field/sampling portion of the course will entail walking through park grounds, and being around/near water. Please dress appropriately for the outdoor/field portion of the course (closed-toe shoes, etc.)

Syllabus

• Why the Need for Low-Level Metals Detection? Reasons why low-level metals detection and EPA Sample Collection Method 1669 is desired and becoming required. A brief discussion regarding the Clean Water Act, Total Maximum Daily Loads, and drivers for low-level detection.
• EPA 1600 Series Methods: Various EPA Analytical Methods (1600-series) available for trace metals analysis. Instruction will also be provided for proper handling and preservation of samples prior to or immediately following laboratory receipt.
• Sampling Supplies & Equipment: The correct equipment and supplies that MUST be used in order to successfully collect a water sample for trace-level metals analysis. Surface and subsurface sampling supplies will be discussed, including equipment needed for proper field filtration.
• Considerations Before & During Sample Collection: In order to obtain credible and scientifically defensible data, considerations should be made before and during sample collection. The instructor will discuss what should be included in a sample analysis plan when collecting ambient water quality samples for low-level metals analysis. Participants will gain an understanding of different sources of contamination or interferences that can cause problems with trace metals analysis and ways to avoid contamination.
• Clean Hands/Dirty Hands Sampling Technique: EPA Method 1669 “Clean Hands/Dirty Hands” for several different sampling methods and a practical demonstration.