Site Characterization

Site Characterization Sampling and Analysis HMTRI Site
Characterization: Sampling and Analysis is an introductory
environmental sampling textbook intended for use in
community/technical college environmental technology curricula or
in industrial training programs. Comprehension of the subject
matter is enhanced by associated coursework in chemistry, biology,
environmental regulations, and college-level mathematics. The goal
of the present textbook is to provide the environmental technician
with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist a site
characterization project planner in the sampling and monitoring
process. Among the tasks the students will learn how to perform
are:

* assisting the research of a site's background for data that a
project manager will use in the development of a site sampling
plan

* meeting representative sampling objectives and quality
control/quality assurance objectives

* preparing to go onsite for a sampling event

* monitoring a site for potentially hazardous atmospheres

* following the sampling plan in collecting samples from various
media (e.g., soil, surface water, ground water, and
containers)

* troubleshooting under unforeseen circumstances

* preparing samples for transport to the laboratory

* documenting field activities

* communicating with laboratory personnel

* interpreting lab reports, including the validation of quality
control data

The text contains photographs and line drawings to help students
visualize equipment and processes. Included are instructional aids
such as chapter objectives, concept statements before major
sections, review questions (as well as application and critical
thinking activities) after each section, and a glossary of the
terminology.