ABSTRACT
Variations in ground water sampling and analysis from site to site include differences in hydrogeochemical setting, sampling equipment, sampling protocols, sampling crews, and variabilities inherent to analytic laboratories. This chapter provides an overview of sampling equipment and techniques and how to optimize ground water sampling plans and sampling proficiency. Adequate information is available to make inferences about ground water sampling equipment and techniques, but the best professional judgment still will be required to design site-specific sampling and analysis plans and ensure that sampling crews provide accurate ground water samples. Sampling equipment should be inert with respect to the chemical parameters to be sampled and should minimize sample alterations including degassing, volatilization, sorption, and leaching.
