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Sampling Methods: Sample Types

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Deployment and Retrieval of Mineral Samplers

Deployment and Retrieval of Mineral Samplers

Published on: January 20, 2026

A downhole passive sampling system to avoid bias and error from groundwater sample handling.

Sanford L Britt¹, Beth L Parker, John A Cherry

¹ProHydro Inc., Fairport, New York 14450, USA. sandy.britt@prohydroinc.com

Environmental Science & Technology

|June 10, 2010

Summary

A novel In Situ Sealed (ISS) groundwater sampler minimizes disturbance and exposure, yielding more accurate volatile organic compound (VOC) and arsenic measurements compared to traditional methods.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Hydrogeology
Analytical Chemistry

Background:

Traditional groundwater sampling methods can introduce bias and errors through sample handling and exposure.
Well purging, often required, can alter in-situ conditions and generate disposal concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce and evaluate a new downhole groundwater sampler designed to reduce bias and error.
To assess the performance of the In Situ Sealed (ISS) sampler against conventional techniques.

Main Methods:

The "In Situ Sealed" (ISS) device utilizes double end-opening bottles set in an open position for flow-through equilibration.
Bottles are triggered to close downhole, enabling passive, non-purge sampling and sealed sample retrieval.
Six field studies compared ISS sampling with traditional methods for various groundwater constituents.

Main Results:

ISS sampling typically yielded higher volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations compared to traditional methods.
ISS results for arsenic showed less bias than both filtered and unfiltered purge samples.
Inorganic constituents demonstrated parity between ISS and traditional sampling methods.

Conclusions:

The ISS sampler is a versatile tool that enhances reproducibility and avoids low VOC recovery bias.
This passive, non-purge sampling method simplifies procedures and eliminates purge water disposal issues.
The ISS sampler offers a more accurate and reliable approach for groundwater quality assessment.