ABSTRACT
Analyses for many important physical, chemical and microbiological variables can be carried out in the field using apparatus made specifically for field use. A significant advantage of field analysis is that tests are carried out on fresh samples whose characteristics have not been contaminated or otherwise changed as a result of storage in a container. This is of special importance for samples that are to undergo microbiological analysis but cannot be transported to a laboratory within the time limits or under the conditions described in Chapter 5. Some variables must be measured in the field, either in situ or very soon after the sample has been collected. Field analysis is necessary for temperature, transparency and pH. Dissolved oxygen may be determined in the field or the sample may be treated (fixed) in the field and the remainder of the analysis completed in a laboratory. If samples are to be chemically preserved before being transported to the laboratory, conductivity (if required) must be measured before preservative chemicals are added.
