The Methods Update Rule: Sample Collection and Preservation Requirements

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The Methods Update Rule Sample Collection and
Preservation Requirements

• Bennie Cockerel, M.S.
• Office of Environmental Laboratory Certification

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MUR Background

• Proposed in April 2004
• Chemistry Microbiology MURs
• Published in 40 CFR, part 136 July 2007
• Next Major Update in 2009 or 2010
• (MUR II)

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MUR Highlights

• Removed gt 100 old methods (mostly EPA)
• Added several new methods
• Clarified method requirements
• Updated Sample Preservation Reqts

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40 CFR 136 Table II (Preservation)
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MUR Footnotes

• 22Samples analysis should begin immediately,
  preferably within 2 hours of collection. The
  maximum transport time to the laboratory is 6
  hours, and samples should be processed within 2
  hours of receipt at the laboratory.
• Pay close attention to the footnotes!

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General Requirements

• Samples must be preserved within 15 minutes of
  collection.
• Ice is considered a preservative, and must be
  noted on Chain-of-Custody.
• Temperature of samples must be taken
• (Chemistry samples 6 C.)

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MUR Footnote 2

• Preserve each grab sample within 15 minutes of
  collection.
• For a composite sample collected with an
  automated sampler, refrigerate the sample at 6
  C during collection.

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MUR Footnote 2 contd

• Add the preservative to the sample container
  prior to sample collection when the preservative
  will not compromise the integrity of sample
  otherwise, preserve the sample within 15 minutes
  of collection.

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MUR Footnote 4

• For a grab sample, the holding time begins at the
  time of collection.
• For a composite sample collected with an
  automated sampler (e.g., using a 24-hour
  composite sampler), the holding time begins at
  the time of the end of collection of the
  composite sample.

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Chain-of-Custody Issues

• Composite start/end dates and times, also
  samplers name at start/finish.
• Preservation and time of preservation.
• Sample temperature at collection.
• Relinquish/Receipt names, dates, times.

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Points to Remember

• If your automated sampler is not refrigerated,
  you must add ice as needed before and/or during
  the compositing process to ensure the temperature
  remains 6C.
• Temperature at collection must be documented on
  COC.

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Points to Remember

• If sample preservation is required, it must be
  done within 15 minutes of collection, so you must
  harvest the sampler promptly, i.e., you cant
  harvest the sample at 28 hours and then preserve
  the sample.
• Time of preservation must be documented (on COC
  or in a logbook).

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Take Home Points

• If the sample is not collected and/or preserved
  correctly, then the sample results are suspect
  and cannot be used for compliance monitoring.
• SO,
• Collect and preserve the sample
• correctly.

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Take Home Points

• If the COC does not verify that the collection
  and preservation is ok, then sample integrity
  cant be assumed and the results become suspect.
• SO,
• Fill out the COC completely and correctly.

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Questions??

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