Sampling particulate matter for analysis - Controlling uncertainty and bias using the theory of sampling.

Sampling particulate matter for measuring the content of an analyte is a routine operation in many fields of engineering and science. However, sampling can lead to important bias and variance in concentration estimation because of sampling errors stemming from particulate matter heterogeneity. The goal of this study was to quantify bias, reproducibility and the degree of representativeness of a probabilistic sampling (PS) technique following principles from the Theory of sampling (TOS) and grab sampling (GS).

Representativeness of laboratory sampling procedures for the analysis of trace metals in soil.

This study was conducted to assess the representativeness of laboratory sampling protocols for purposes of trace metal analysis in soil. Five laboratory protocols were compared, including conventional grab sampling, to assess the influence of sectorial splitting, sieving, and grinding on measured trace metal concentrations and their variability. It was concluded that grinding was the most important factor in controlling the variability of trace metal concentrations.

Analysis of procedures for sampling contaminated soil using Gy's Sampling Theory and Practice.

Soil sampling is a critical step in environmental site assessment studies. The representativeness of soil samples has a direct influence on financial, liability, environmental and public health issues associated with the outcome of remediation activities. Representativeness must be quantified for assessing and designing soil sampling procedures.