Soil Sampling Methodology

Individual grab soil samples should be collected at locations throughout the hot spot site. If possible, these should be randomly selected and equally spaced. However, the presence of notable differences in physical soil qualities (such as staining) may necessitate the preferential selection of a sub-set of sampling locations.

Soil samples should be collected using a stainless trowel or shovel, and be collected from the top 10 cm depth (surface soils). Samples will be deposited into a stainless steel tray and will be stirred into a homogenous mixture. Samples will then be placed into one or more 125 ml or 250 ml glass jars.

Pre-sample Preparations

• Identify/Locate Soil Sampling Sites
• Fill out field data sheet
• Prepare sampling jars

Clean Soil Sampling Equipment

• Put on gloves, rinse gloves with clean water
• First scrub equipment with sparkleen
• Rinse with clean water (3×)
• Rinse with acetone
• Rinse with hexane

Soil Sampling Steps

		Fill in the “Location Information” box on the Field Data Form (see example Field Data Sheets)
		Thoroughly clean all sampling equipment (dredge, mixing tray, spoon, etc.) with metals-free soap and de-ionized water prior to sampling at each site. Where analyses require, use chemical solvents such as hexane and acetone to ensure all residues are dissolved from equipment surfaces.
		Soil samples should be collected using a stainless steel core sampler, trowel or shovel. Collect five sub-samples between 1 and 20cm below surface from area 1m x 1m.
		Samples are collected in a stainless steel tray and stirred into a homogenous mixture.
		Samples are then placed into one or more separate glass jars.
		Ensure the waterproof label on the container includes the sampling site number, date of sampling, type of sample (soil), and name of project. Also ensure that the label is securely fastened to the jar. Complete a final check to ensure that the data sheet has been completed and that all required samples have been collected and are properly labeled. Immediately place collected sediment samples in a cold, dark cooler.

Final Checks

Ensure that the field data sheet has been completed, including photos, site map sketch and GPS readings