Practical 3
SAMPLING EQUIPMENTS
Environmental monitoring requires specialized sampling equipment to collect air, water, and soil
samples for analysis. Here are some common sampling instruments used in environmental
monitoring:
1. Air Sampling Equipment
High-Volume Air Sampler – Used for collecting particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) from
ambient air.
Personal Air Sampler (PAS) – Worn by workers to assess exposure to airborne
contaminants.
Gas Sampling Bags (Tedlar Bags) – Used for collecting air samples to analyze gases like
VOCs and methane.
Filter Cassette Samplers – Capture airborne dust, asbestos, or metal particles.
Impinger Samplers – Collect gaseous pollutants by bubbling air through a liquid.
Passive Samplers (Diffusion Badges) – Measure gas concentrations like NO₂ and SO₂
over time.
Continuous Air Quality Monitors – Real-time monitoring of pollutants such as CO, NO₂,
O₃, and PM.
2. Water Sampling Equipment
Water Samplers: Water samplers are devices used to collect water samples from a specific
location and depth. They can be manual or automated.
Sampling Bottles: Sampling bottles are used to store and transport water samples. They
are often made of glass or plastic and are designed to prevent contamination.
Sampling Pumps: Sampling pumps are used to collect water samples from deep or
inaccessible locations. They can be manual or automated.
Sampling Nets: Sampling nets are used to collect water samples from surface waters, such
as lakes and rivers.
Grab Samplers (Bottles, Bailers) – Used for one-time water collection from rivers, lakes,
or wells.
Automatic Water Samplers – Collect water samples at preset intervals for continuous
monitoring.
Van Dorn Water Sampler – Used for collecting water at specific depths in lakes and
reservoirs.
Niskin Bottle – A device for collecting water samples from different depths in oceans and
lakes.
Dippers & Scoops – Simple tools for surface water sampling.
Flow Meters – Measure the velocity of water flow in rivers or pipes.
Multi-Parameter Water Quality Sensors – Measure pH, dissolved oxygen (DO),
turbidity, conductivity, and temperature in real time.
3. Soil Sampling Equipment
Soil Augers – Drill into the soil to collect samples at different depths.
Soil Corers – Extract soil cores to study soil structure and contamination.
Trowels & Scoops – Used for surface soil sampling.
Piezometers – Measure groundwater levels and contamination in soil.
Soil Gas Samplers – Used to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil.
Soil Moisture Meters – Measure water content in the soil.
4. Noise & Radiation Monitoring Equipment
Sound Level Meters – Measure environmental noise levels.
Dosimeters – Assess long-term noise exposure.
Geiger-Muller Counters – Detect radiation levels in the environment.
Radon Detectors – Measure radon gas concentrations in air and soil.
SAMPLING PROTOCOLS
1. Sampling Plan: This outlines the sampling locations, times, and frequencies.
2. Sampling Procedure: This outlines the steps involved in collecting and processing the samples.
3. Quality Control: This involves ensuring that the sampling equipment and procedures are
accurate and reliable.
4. Data Management: This involves storing, analyzing, and interpreting the sampling data.
5. Reporting: This involves presenting the sampling results to stakeholders, such as regulators or
the public.
Practical 4
P4: Onsite Water Testing Parameters
Onsite water testing is an essential step in ensuring the quality and safety of water supplies. The
following are some common parameters that are typically tested for during onsite water testing:
1. pH: Measures the acidity or basicity of the water, with a normal range of 6.5-8.5.
2. Temperature: Measures the temperature of the water, with a normal range of 10-30°C.
3. Turbidity: Measures the clarity of the water, with a normal range of 0-5 NTU.
4. Conductivity: Measures the ability of the water to conduct electricity, with a normal range of
100-1000 μS/cm.
5. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Measures the total amount of dissolved solids in the water,
with a normal range of 0-1000 mg/L.
6. Chloride: Measures the concentration of chloride ions in the water, with a normal range of 0-
250 mg/L.
7. Nitrate: Measures the concentration of nitrate ions in the water, with a normal range of 0-50
mg/L.
8. Ammonia: Measures the concentration of ammonia in the water, with a normal range of 0-1
mg/L.
9. Coliform Bacteria: Measures the presence of coliform bacteria, which can indicate
contamination.
10. E. coli: Measures the presence of E. coli bacteria, which can indicate contamination.
11. Total Coliform: Measures the total number of coliform bacteria present in the water.
12. Fecal Coliform: Measures the number of fecal coliform bacteria present in the water.
13. Hardness: Measures the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in the water, with a
normal range of 0-200 mg/L.
14. Alkalinity: Measures the concentration of bicarbonate and carbonate ions in the water, with
a normal range of 0-200 mg/L.
15. Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP): Measures the ability of the water to oxidize or
reduce other substances, with a normal range of -200 to 500 mV.
Onsite Water Testing Methods
1. Colorimetric Test Kits: Use color-changing reagents to measure the concentration of various
parameters.
2. Electrochemical Test Kits: Use electrodes to measure the concentration of various
parameters.
3. Titration Test Kits: Use a titrant to measure the concentration of various parameters.
4. Portable Water Testing Meters: Use electronic sensors to measure the concentration of
various parameters.
5. Water Testing Strips: Use color-changing strips to measure the concentration of various
parameters.
Onsite Water Testing Equipment
1. Portable Water Testing Meters: Handheld devices that measure various water parameters.
2. Water Testing Kits: Pre-packaged kits that contain reagents and equipment for measuring
various water parameters.
3. Sampling Equipment: Equipment used to collect and store water samples, such as bottles and
containers.
4. Filtering Equipment: Equipment used to filter water samples, such as filters and centrifuges.
5. Data Loggers: Devices that record and store data from water testing equipment.
Onsite Water Testing Protocols
1. Sampling Protocol: Procedures for collecting and storing water samples.
2. Testing Protocol: Procedures for testing water samples using various methods and equipment.
3. Quality Control Protocol: Procedures for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of water
testing results.
4. Data Management Protocol: Procedures for recording, storing, and analyzing water testing
data.
5. Reporting Protocol: Procedures for reporting water testing results to stakeholders.
