This is the most comprehensive and up-to-date practical course on ground-water sampling available anywhere.  Because collection of ground-water samples from monitoring wells is a critical component of environmental investigations at many sites, and because this is a complex subject, this E-Course covers this topic in detail in 15 modules. 

In the first 3 modules of this E-Course, students learn what factors influence the successful implementation of ground-water sampling programs; how to prepare and implement effective ground-water sampling and analysis plans; how to update existing sampling protocols in response to changes in technology and field practices; how to develop an effective field equipment decontamination program; and how to implement good field practices and incorporate strong field QA/QC protocols to ensure precision, accuracy and defensibility in ground-water sampling events.

In modules 4 and 5 of this E-Course, instructors discuss in detail the science behind ground-water sampling, including why water-level measurement methods and traditional ground-water sample collection methods (including well-volume purging and sampling using bailers and high-flow-rate pumps), are subject to significant sources of  bias and error.  The latter commonly result in either over-or under-estimation of actual sample concentrations, which is why using more up-to-date methods (including low-flow sampling and no-purge sampling), that have been demonstrated to produce higher-quality samples, allow all stakeholders to have much higher confidence in sample analytical results.  Given the magnitude of the decisions that are made based on ground-water sample analytical data, the technical and economic impacts of using outdated sampling methods can be enormous. 

Modules 6 through 15 of this E-Course cover selection and operation of purging and sampling devices; how to implement various purging and sampling methodologies (including conventional purging and sampling, low-flow purging and sampling and no-purge sampling); field water-quality indicator parameter measurement; sample collection and pre-treatment procedures (filtration and preservation); handling and shipment of ground-water samples (with discussions of DOT and IATA shipping regulations); and documentation of sampling events to ensure defensibility of data and records.  The substance of more than a dozen ASTM Standard Guides and Practices on these topics is covered in this E-Course. 

The field video portions of these modules focus on all of the field practices and procedures used to effectively implement ground-water sampling events, including well inspection and housekeeping practices during sampling events; field equipment decontamination practices; methods for properly collecting field QC samples, operation of ground-water sampling devices of all types; methods for conventional sampling, low-flow purging and sampling, and no-purge sampling; water-level measurement; measurement of field water-quality indicator parameters; sample collection, filtration and preservation; and sample packaging and shipment.

Total CEUs for This E-Course: 17.5 CEUs

Modules Included in This E-Course