ENR 2050 Environmental Field Methods
This course will introduce students to sampling protocols, procedures, quality control, preservation technology, field analysis and data interpretation. Course material will be delivered via both lectures and lab; course completion will require several consecutive days of field effort. (2 lect., 2 lab)
Major Topics
- Planning an Effective Environmental Sampling Program
- Strategies for 3-dimensional Sampling of Environmental Media
- Field Quality Assurance/Quality Control
- Environmental Handling and Shipment
- Sampling Event Documentation
- Factors Influencing Selection of Sampling Equipment
- Fundamentals of Soil Sampling
- Soil Sample Collection, Handling and Processing Using U.S. EPA Method 5035
- Field Sample Analysis
- Soil Gas Sampling & Analysis
- Ground-Water Sampling Strategies and Procedures
- Review of Purging Strategies
- Selection and Operation of Purging and Sampling Devices
- Ground-Water Sample Pretreatment and Collection Methods
- Surface Water and Sediment Sampling
- Overview of Sampling Devices for Surface Water and Sediment
- Measurement of Flow in Surface-Water Systems
- Fundamentals of Air Monitoring
Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Describe and discuss the methods and protocols used in surface water, ground water, terrestrial and atmospheric environmental sampling.
2. Describe and apply available technologies and tools used for environmental monitoring.
3. Prepare sampling designs, sampling plans, and health and safety plans.
4. Demonstrate basic skills in data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
5. Perform hands-on applications of environmental monitoring methods, and technologies.
6. Demonstrate familiarity with basic environmental regulations relevant to monitoring program implementation.
7. Apply fundamentals of environmental monitoring theories, principles, and practices to an independent research project on a relevant topic.