Designing Good Sampling Plans for Characterizing Pesticide Pollution

摘要

The first stage in addressing chemical pollution typically involves sampling and analysis to understand the nature of the pollution, its extent, and potential effects. A detailed sampling and analysis plan is a crucial component of this first stage; it not only ensures that data of appropriate quality will be obtained but also forces one to ask and address important questions about the range of potential data needs and the expected remedial objectives. The plan must specify the procedure (s) by which samples are collected, the sample locations, and the appropriate sample number. It must also describe how samples are to be handled, transported and analyzed. Proper consideration of these elements of the plan will yield data that provide a solid foundation on which to based all subsequent activities.