VOC
064A
Volatile Organic Compounds
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE COLLECTION OF
METHOD 524.3
Samples must be collected on the same day and returned to the lab
within 48 hours of collection.
When you receive sampling kit, CHECK CONTENTS:
sample vials, login form(s), and pre-filled “Trip Blank.”
Shipping container provided by DEQ.
Steps in collection of sample:
1. If you are sampling from a tap, allow the water to run for 5 minutes prior to sampling. Reduce the flow of the water to a slow, steady stream before collecting a sample.
PLEASE NOTE: each sample vial will contain 25mg of Ascorbic Acid powder and 200mg of Maleic Acid;
do not rinse this out of vials.
2. Fill THREE 40mL vials at each site (3 vials are equal to 1 sample).
3. Fill each vial to ½ inch from the top and let stand for 30 seconds.
CAUTION: If you spill any preservative on your hands, flush with plenty of water.
PLEASE NOTE: in the event that the sample FOAMS, discard the sample and notify the lab that you
need to resample and the reason why. This will require an alternate sampling technique, and we will assist
you with that process.
Sample of 3 vials that contain
25mg of Powdered Ascorbic Acid
and 200mg of Maleic Acid.
4. Carefully finish filling each vial to the top by using the cap of the vial. DO NOT overfill vials as this will result in loss of preservative. Replace caps and tighten carefully.
5. Check for air bubbles by turning each vial upside down. If air bubbles are present, remove the lid and carefully add more water.
6. Transport the pre-filled “Trip Blank” with sample vials at all times. The “Trip Blank” must
be returned, unopened, with the samples.
7. If applicable, proceed to the next collection site and repeat steps 1-7 until the remaining sites have been sampled. All samples must be collected on the same day.
8. Fill out a login form for each sample. If samples are collected at multiple sites, label each vial to match its login form.
9. Place the completed login form(s) in a Ziploc® bag or other waterproof container.
10. Place sample vials, “Trip Blank,” and completed login form(s) into the shipping container provided and pack with ICE
to the top. Return to the DEQ as soon as possible.
VOC samples can be REJECTED if:
1. Sample form(s) are not complete, not legible, or not returned.
2. Sample vials are not labeled to match collection sites.
3. Sample is not received at the proper temperature (≤ 6ºC) or not on ICE.
4. Sample is not received at the proper pH (<2).
5. “Trip Blank” is not returned with the sample(s).
6. Sample vials contain air bubbles.
If a sample from one site is rejected, all sample sites must be recollected.
Please DO NOT freeze samples.
If problems or questions arise, please contact Jayme Jones for further assistance at (405) 702-1029.
This publication is issued by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality authorized by Steven A. Thompson, Executive Director. Copies have been prepared at a cost of $0.1435 each. Copies have been deposited with the publications clearinghouse of the
Oklahoma Department of Libraries. CMullins\PWS\PWS2010\SOPrevised4_2010\VOCs.indd 4_2010
ODEQ/SEL/Sampling Management
VOC
SEL Form # 064B
Revision Date 4/26/10
Revision #2
WS-VOC
SEL Sample: ________
Department of Environmental Quality
State Environmental Laboratory
P.O. Box 1677
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677
(Physical location)
707 North Robinson
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Volatile Organic Compounds Login Form
Collectors Name (Print):_____________________
Date Collected: ______/________/_______
Collectors: ________
Time Collected: ______:_______
PWSID: _____________
System: _____________________
Location Code: ________________
Source: _____________________
Chlorine Residual: ________
Volatile Organic Compounds (Method 524.3)
CHAIN OF CUSTODY
RELINQUISHED BY:
Name (signature): ________________________
Date: __/__/____
Time: ___:___
Name (print): ____________________________
SAMPLER'S COMMENTS: _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Method of Delivery: ________________________________________________________________
(Hand Carried, 1st Class Mail, etc.)
RECEIVED BY:
Name (signature): ________________________
Ice Present: Yes / No (circle one)
Sample Temp: ____________________
SAMPLE RECEIVING COMMENTS: __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Return to:
____________________________
Copy:
File Copy
____________________________
Water Quality Division
____________________________
Please collect and return during the week of