Sampling & Sample Handling

Water and wastewater samples are biologically active and the BOD will quickly deteriorate. Minimize the time between sampling and analysis to obtain the best BOD results. Take the following precautions when sampling and handling BOD samples.

Sampling Considerations

• Preferable to sample BEFORE any disinfection
• If sampling after any disinfection, samples MUST be seeded

Handling Considerations

• Composite samples must be kept at 0 - 6°C

Record the composite sampler temperature--in permanent ink-- daily!

• Cool samples on ice between the composite sampler and laboratory
• Maximum holding time is 48 hours for both grab and composite samples.
• Composite samples - this means 48 hr after the sample is removed from the auto-sampler.
• Recommended grab sample holding time is 6 hr (Standard Methods)

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