Were samples collected over time to understand the temporal extent of contamination?
Example: For an industrial site that has discharged wastewater to a river for 20 years, with surface water monitoring data available only for the last 5 years, you should ask yourself if the recent data are representative of past levels of pollution. Changes in the facility’s production levels and wastewater treatment practices over the years would be important to consider. • Are the sampling data grab samples or long-term sampling efforts? Example: At some sites, the only environmental data you might find are from a single sampling event, say one air sample collected downwind from a smelter. You should evaluate how representative this one sample is of air quality over the longer term. It is important to remember that lone grab samples only give you a “snapshot” of the overall trends in environmental contamination. • Is the frequency of sampling adequate to characterize the public health threat? Example: Methane is often measured in on-site gas monitoring wells at operating landfills o
Related Questions
- From a hospital research governance and ethics point of view, could research samples be collected at the same time as patients other routine bloods are being taken?
- What is the current holding time for samples collected in the EnCore sampler and analyzed using Method 5035?
- Were samples collected over time to understand the temporal extent of contamination?
