How to Collect a Sample for the Mercury Lab

Sample integrity must be maintained throughout the sampling process, from field collection to delivery of samples to the laboratory. Contamination can occur from dust and particle matter, rain, or human breath, as well as from contact with contaminated surfaces such as skin and hair. The potential for sample contamination can be minimized through strict compliance with Lab guidelines.

Laboratory staff will instruct and assist field sampling personnel in the use of ultra clean trace metal collection techniques. These techniques include, for example, the use of Lab-supplied sampling equipment, Tyvek suits, gloves, and plastic bags to prevent sample contact with unclean surfaces. In hostile sampling conditions, sample preservation is delayed to minimize exposure of the sample. Prior to shipment to the laboratory for analysis, samples are stored in a cool place away from sunlight to limit the effect of photo degradation, biological activity and assure sample integrity.

  What analysis method do you need? See the Analysis Methods page for a cross-reference of lab analysis codes, detection limits, NWIS codes, and method reference publications.

  See an example of a properly completed Request for Analysis Form F03 to help ensure accurate paperwork for your project.

Collection Steps

1. Make sure you have read the USGS National Field Manual (NFM) guidance on water sampling.
2. Review and select the analysis types required for your project. A complete list of Analysis Types is listed on the back of the Request for Analysis form. Standard methods that cross-reference to our analysis type codes can be found on the Analysis Methods page.
3. Obtain sampling equipment from the Mercury Lab. This request must be received two (2) weeks prior to the expected sample collection date. You must identify the need for additional equipment to collect duplicates and blanks, including field blank water, when requesting equipment.
4. Receive the sampling equipment. Field personnel must verify that all sampling equipment received from the Mercury Lab is intact with no indications of shipping damage.
5. Collect your samples. Upon collection of a sample, the field sampling personnel places the second bar code (in bag stored in outer container bag) on a Request for Analysis form in the space adjacent to the type of mercury collection. If the sample was acidified in the field, the unique identification number of the bottle used for acid preservation must be recorded on the Request for Analysis form.
6. Sample filtration. If filtering samples, follow the Filtration Procedure using mercury-clean equipment.
7. Storage. Prior to shipment to the laboratory for analysis, store samples per Lab instructions in a cool place away from sunlight to limit the effect of photo degradation, biological activity and to ensure sample integrity.
8. Prepare the shipping coolers. For each cooler shipped to the lab, complete a Cooler Inventory form. Sampling personnel should verify that all items listed on the inventory form are included in the container of samples to be shipped and will note any information regarding known problems that may affect sample integrity. The completed Cooler Inventory form and Request for Analysis forms are then signed and dated by the person responsible for shipping the container of samples to the Mercury Lab. Seal the forms in a zip-type bag.
9. Ship the samples. Inform the Mercury Research Laboratory that a container was shipped and the method of shipment. All containers must be shipped "next day priority" unless other arrangements are made with laboratory personnel. The sampling personnel are responsible for tracking the container until receipt by laboratory personnel.
10. Follow-up. At any time after shipping, if you determine that the site name, station ID, or other information on the Request for Analysis form is incorrect, contact the Lab immediately at mercury@usgs.gov.