Tremendous improvements in ground-water sampling methodologies and analytical technologies have made it possible to collect and analyze truly representative samples to detect increasingly lower levels of contaminants-now in the sub-parts-per-billion range. Though these new methods produce more accurate and precise data and are less expensive, many

Groundwater monitoring is a complex undertaking. Cost-effective monitoring relies on careful planning and critical reading of the scientific literature. These activities will ensure that the application of well placement, construction, sampling, and analytical procedures result in the collection of high-quality data. The information needs of each program must be recognized and all subsequent monitoring network design and operation decisions must be made in light of the available data. In this sense, monitoring is an evolutionary process which should be refined as the information base expands.

This concise book covers all the critical aspects of environmental sampling and analysis. Extensively peer-reviewed by scientists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other government agencies, industry and academia, it is packed with practical advice and tips from renowned experts. Planning, sampling, analysis, QA/QC, and reporting are discussed for air, water, solid liquid, and biological samples, with emphasis on the interdependence between sampling and analytical activities. Special requirements for sampling devices, containers, and preservatives are provided with convenient checklists for sampling plans and protocols. New and revised recommendations involving method detection levels, reliable detection levels, and levels of quantitation are discussed in conjunction with laboratory reports and user presentations of data near analytical detection limits. This is a valuable and comprehensive reference book for chemists, technicians, consultants, lawyers, regulators, engineers, quality control officers, news and information managers, teachers, and students.