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SOP#: 2016

DATE: 11/17/94

REV. #: 0.0

SEDIMENT SAMPLING

1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION

This standard operating procedure (SOP) is applicable

to the collection of representative sediment samples.

Analysis of sediment may be biological, chemical, or

physical in nature and may be used to determine the

following:

C toxicity;

C biological availability and effects of

contaminants;

C benthic biota;

C extent and magnitude of contamination;

C contaminant migration pathways and source;

C fate of contaminants;

C grain size distribution.

The methodologies discussed in this SOP are

applicable to the sampling of sediment in both flowing

and standing water. They are generic in nature and

may be modified in whole or part to meet the handling

and analytical requirements of the contaminants of

concern, as well as the constraints presented by site

conditions and equipment limitations. However, if

modifications occur, they should be documented in a

site or personal logbook and discussed in reports

summarizing field activities and analytical results.

For the purposes of this procedure, sediments are

those mineral and organic materials situated beneath

an aqueous layer. The aqueous layer may be either

static, as in lakes, ponds, and impoundments; or

flowing, as in rivers and streams.

Mention of trade names or commercial products does

not constitute U.S. EPA endorsement or

recommendation for use.

2.0 METHOD SUMMARY

Sediment samples may be collected using a variety of

methods and equipment, depending on the depth of the

aqueous layer, the portion of the sediment profile

required (surface vs. subsurface), the type of sample

required (disturbed vs. undisturbed), contaminants

present, and sediment type.

Sediment is collected from beneath an aqueous layer

either directly, using a hand held device such as a

shovel, trowel, or auger; or indirectly, using a

remotely activated device such as an Ekman or Ponar

dredge. Following collection, sediment is transferred

from the sampling device to a sample container of

appropriate size and construction for the analyses

requested. If composite sampling techniques are

employed, multiple grabs are placed into a container

constructed of inert material, homogenized, and

transferred to sample containers appropriate for the

analyses requested. The homogenization procedure

should not be used if sample analysis includes volatile

organics; in this case, sediment, or multiple grabs of

sediment, should be transferred directly from the

sample collection device or homogenization container

to the sample container.

3.0 SAMPLE PRESERVATION,

CONTAINERS,HANDLING AND

STORAGE

1. Chemical preservation of solids is generally

not recommended. Cooling to 4 C is usually o

the best approach, supplemented by the

appropriate holding time for the analyses

requested.

2. Wide mouth glass containers with Teflon

lined caps are utilized for sediment samples.

The sample volume is a function of the

analytical requirements and will be specified

in the Work Plan.

3. If analysis of sediment from a discrete depth

or location is desired, sediment is transferred

directly from the sampling device to a

labeled sample container(s) of appropriate

size and construction for the analyses
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requested. Transfer is accomplished with a can, therefore, greatly influence the analytical results

stainless steel or plastic lab spoon or and should be justified and specified in the Work

equivalent. Plan.

4. If composite sampling techniques or multiple

grabs are employed, equal portions of

sediment from each location are deposited

into a stainless steel, plastic, or other

appropriate composition (e.g., Teflon)

containers. The sediment is homogenized

thoroughly to obtain a composite

representative of the area sampled. The

composite sediment sample is transferred to

a labeled container(s) of appropriate size and

construction for the analyses requested.

Transfer of sediment is accomplished with a

stainless steel or plastic lab spoon or

equivalent. Samples for volatile organic

analysis must be transferred directly from the

sample collection device or pooled from

multiple areas in the homogenization

container prior to mixing. This is done to

minimize loss of contaminant due to

volatilization during homogenization.

5. All sampling devices should be

decontaminated, then wrapped in aluminum

foil. The sampling device should remain in

this wrapping until it is needed. Each

sampling device should be used for only one

sample. Disposable sampling devices for

sediment are generally impractical due to

cost and the large number of sediment

samples which may be required. Sampling

devices should be cleaned in the field using

the decontamination procedure described in

the Sampling Equipment Decontamination

SOP.

4.0 INTERFERENCES AND

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

Substrate particle size and organic matter content are

a direct consequence of the flow characteristics of a

waterbody. Contaminants are more likely to be Reagents are not used for preservation of sediment

concentrated in sediments typified by fine particle size samples. Decontamination solutions are specified in

and a high organic matter content. This type of the Sampling Equipment Decontamination SOP.

sediment is most likely to be collected from

depositional zones. In contrast, coarse sediments with

low organic matter content do not typically

concentrate pollutants and are generally found in

erosional zones. The selection of a sampling location

5.0 EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS

Equipment needed for collection of sediment samples

may include:

C Maps/plot plan

C Safety equipment

C Compass

C Tape measure

C Survey stakes, flags, or buoys and anchors

C Camera and film

C Stainless steel, plastic, or other appropriate

composition bucket

C 4-oz., 8-oz., and one-quart wide mouth jars

w/Teflon lined lids

C Ziploc plastic bags

C Logbook

C Sample jar labels

C Chain of Custody records, field data sheets

C Cooler(s)

C Ice

C Decontamination supplies/equipment

C Spade or shovel

C Spatula

C Scoop

C Trowel

C Bucket auger

C Tube auger

C Extension rods

C "T" handle

C Sediment coring device (tube, drive head,

eggshell check value, nosecone, acetate tube,

extension rods, "T" handle)

C Ponar dredge

C Ekman dredge

C Nylon rope or steel cable

C Messenger device

6.0 REAGENTS
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7.0 PROCEDURES

7.1 Preparation

1. Determine the objective(s) and extent of the

sampling effort. The sampling methods to be

employed, and the types and amounts of

equipment and supplies required will be a

function of site characteristics and objectives

of the study.

2. Obtain the necessary sampling and

monitoring equipment.

3. Prepare schedules, and coordinate with staff,

client, and regulatory agencies, if

appropriate.

4. Decontaminate or preclean equipment, and

ensure that it is in working order.

5. Perform a general site survey prior to site

entry in accordance with the site specific

Health and Safety Plan.

6. Use stakes, flagging, or buoys to identify and

mark all sampling locations. Specific site

factors including flow regime, basin

morphometry, sediment characteristics, depth

of overlying aqueous layer, contaminant

source, and extent and nature of

contamination should be considered when

selecting sample locations. If required, the

proposed locations may be adjusted based on

site access, property boundaries, and surface

obstructions.

7.2 Sample Collection

Selection of a sampling device is most often

contingent upon: (1) the depth of water at the For the purpose of this method, surface sediment is

sampling location, and (2) the physical characteristics considered to range from 0 to six inches in depth and

of the sediment to be sampled. The following a shallow aqueous layer is considered to range from 0

procedures may be utilized: to 24 inches in depth. Collection of surface sediment

7.2.1 Sampling Surface Sediment with a

Trowel or Scoop from Beneath a

Shallow Aqueous Layer

For the purpose of this method, surface sediment is

considered to range from 0 to six inches in depth and

a shallow aqueous layer is considered to range from 0

to 12 inches in depth. Collection of surface sediment

from beneath a shallow aqueous layer can be

accomplished with tools such as spades, shovels,

trowels, and scoops. Although this method can be

used to collect both unconsolidated/consolidated

sediment, it is limited somewhat by the depth and

movement of the aqueous layer. Deep and rapidly

flowing water render this method less accurate than

others discussed below. However, representative

samples can be collected with this procedure in

shallow sluggish water provided care is demonstrated

by the sample team member. A stainless steel or

plastic sampling implement will suffice in most

applications. Care should be exercised to avoid the

use of devices plated with chrome or other materials;

plating is particularly common with garden trowels.

The following procedure will be used to collect

sediment with a scoop, shovel, or trowel:

1. Using a decontaminated sampling

implement, remove the desired thickness and

volume of sediment from the sampling area.

2. Transfer the sample into an appropriate

sample or homogenization container. Ensure

that non-dedicated containers have been

adequately decontaminated.

3. Surface water should be decanted from the

sample or homogenization container prior to

sealing or transfer; care should be taken to

retain the fine sediment fraction during this

procedure.

7.2.2 Sampling Surface Sediment with a

Bucket Auger or Tube Auger from

Beneath a Shallow Aqueous Layer

from beneath a shallow aqueous layer can be

accomplished with a system consisting of bucket

auger or tube auger, a series of extensions, and a "T"

handle (Figure 1, Appendix A). The use of additional

extensions in conjunction with a bucket auger can

increase the depth of water from which sediment can

be collected from 24 inches to 10 feet or more.

However, sample handling and manipulation increases
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in difficulty with increasing depth of water. The "T" handle. The use of additional extensions can

bucket auger or tube auger is driven into the sediment increase the depth of water from which sediment can

and used to extract a core. The various depths be collected from 24 inches to five feet or more.

represented by the core are homogenized or a However, water clarity must be high enough to permit

subsample of the core is taken from the appropriate the sampler to directly observe the sampling

depth. operation. In addition, sample handling and

The following procedure will be used to collect depth of water. The bucket auger is used to bore a

sediment samples with a bucket auger or tube auger: hole to the upper range of the desired sampling depth

1. An acetate core may be inserted into the down the borehole, and driven into the sediment to the

bucket auger or tube auger prior to sampling lower range of the desired sampling depth. The tube

if characteristics of the sediments or is then withdrawn and the sample recovered from the

waterbody warrant. By using this technique, tube. This method can be used to collect firmly

an intact core can be extracted. consolidated sediments, but is somewhat limited by

2. Attach the auger head to the required length initial borehole.

of extensions, then attach the "T" handle to

the upper extension. The following procedure will be used to collect deep

3. Clear the area to be sampled of any surface auger:

debris.

4. Insert the bucket auger or tube auger into the lengths of extensions, then attach the "T"

sediment at a 0 to 20 angle from vertical. handle to the upper extension. o o

This orientation minimizes spillage of the

sample from the sampler upon extraction 2. Clear the area to be sampled of any surface

from the sediment and water. debris.

5. Rotate the auger to cut a core of sediment. 3. Begin augering, periodically removing any

6. Slowly withdraw the auger; if using a tube the auger bucket. Cuttings should be

auger, make sure that the slot is facing disposed of far enough from the sampling

upward. area to minimize cross contamination of

7. Transfer the sample or a specified aliquot of

sample into an appropriate sample or 4. After reaching the upper range of the desired

homogenization container. Ensure that non- depth, slowly and carefully remove bucket

dedicated containers have been adequately auger from the boring.

decontaminated.

7.2.3 Sampling Deep Sediment with a

Bucket Auger or Tube Auger from

Beneath a Shallow Aqueous Layer

For the purpose of this method, deep sediment is

considered to range from six to greater than 18 inches

in depth and a shallow aqueous layer is considered to

range from 0 to 24 inches. Collection of deep

sediment from beneath a shallow aqueous layer can be

accomplished with a system consisting of a bucket

auger, a tube auger, a series of extensions and a

manipulation increases in difficulty with increasing

and then withdrawn. The tube auger is then lowered

the depth of the aqueous layer, and the integrity of the

sediment samples with a bucket auger and a tube

1. Attach the bucket auger bit to the required

accumulated sediment (i.e., cuttings) from

various depths. 

5. Attach the tube auger bit to the required

lengths of extensions, then attach the "T"

handle to the upper extension.

6. Carefully lower tube auger down borehole

using care to avoid making contact with the

borehole sides and, thus, cross contaminating

the sample. Gradually force tube auger into

sediment to the lower range of the desired

sampling depth. Hammering of the tube

auger to facilitate coring should be avoided

as the vibrations may cause the boring walls
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to collapse. above the sediment surface.

7. Remove tube auger from the borehole, again 4. Drop the sampler to the sediment.

taking care to avoid making contact with the

borehole sides and, thus, cross contaminating 5. Trigger the jaw release mechanism by

the sample. lowering a messenger down the line, or by

8. Discard the top of core (approximately 1 extension handle.

inch); as this represents material collected by

the tube auger before penetration to the layer 6. Raise the sampler and slowly decant any free

of concern. liquid through the top of the sampler. Care

9. Transfer sample into an appropriate sample fraction during this procedure.

or homogenization container. Ensure that

non-dedicated containers have been 7. Open the dredge jaws and transfer the sample

adequately decontaminated. into a stainless steel, plastic or other

7.2.4 Sampling Surface Sediment with an

Ekman or Ponar Dredge from

Beneath a Shallow or Deep Aqueous

Layer

For the purpose of this method, surface sediment is

considered to range from 0 to six inches in depth.

Collection of surface sediment can be accomplished

with a system consisting of a remotely activated

device (dredge) and a deployment system. This

technique consists of lowering a sampling device

(dredge) to the surface of the sediment by use of a

rope, cable, or extended handle. The mechanism is

activated, and the device entraps sediment in spring

loaded or lever operated jaws.

An Ekman dredge is a lightweight sediment sampling

device with spring activated jaws. It is used to collect

moderately consolidated, fine textured sediment. The

following procedure will be used for collecting

sediment with an Ekman dredge (Figure 2,

Appendix A):

1. Attach a sturdy nylon rope or stainless steel

cable through the hole on the top of the

bracket, or secure the extension handle to the

bracket with machine bolts.

2. Attach springs to both sides of the jaws. Fix

the jaws so that they are in open position by

placing trip cables over the release studs.

Ensure that the hinged doors on the dredge

top are free to open.

3. Lower the sampler to a point 4 to 6 inches

depressing the button on the upper end of the

should be taken to retain the fine sediment

appropriate composition (e.g., Teflon)

container. Ensure that non-dedicated

containers have been adequately

decontaminated. If necessary, continue to

collect additional sediment grabs until

sufficient material has been secured to fulfill

analytical requirements. Thoroughly

homogenize and then transfer sediment to

sample containers appropriate for the

analyses requested. Samples for volatile

organic analysis must be collected directly

from the bucket before homogenization to

minimize volatilization of contaminants.

A Ponar dredge is a heavyweight sediment sampling

device with weighted jaws that are lever or spring

activated. It is used to collect consolidated fine to

coarse textured sediment. The following procedure

will be used for collecting sediment with a Ponar

dredge (Figure 3, Appendix A):

1. Attach a sturdy nylon rope or steel cable to

the ring provided on top of the dredge.

2. Arrange the Ponar dredge with the jaws in

the open position, setting the trip bar so the

sampler remains open when lifted from the

top. If the dredge is so equipped, place the

spring loaded pin into the aligned holes in the

trip bar.

3. Slowly lower the sampler to a point

approximately two inches above the

sediment.

4. Drop the sampler to the sediment. Slack on
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the line will release the trip bar or spring 2. Insert the "egg shell" check valve into the

loaded pin; pull up sharply on the line lower end of the sampling tube with the

closing the dredge. convex surface positioned inside the acetate

5. Raise the dredge to the surface and slowly

decant any free liquid through the screens on 3. Screw the nosecone onto the lower end of the

top of the dredge. Care should be taken to sampling tube, securing the acetate tube and

retain the fine sediment fraction during this eggshell check valve.

operation.

6. Open the dredge and transfer the sediment to sampling tube and add extension rods as

a stainless steel, plastic or other appropriate needed.

composition (e.g., Teflon) container. Ensure

that non-dedicated containers have been 5. Place the sampler in a perpendicular position

adequately decontaminated. If necessary, on the sediment to be sampled.

continue to collect additional sediment until

sufficient material has been secured to fulfill 6. If the "T" handle is used, place downward

analytical requirements. Thoroughly pressure on the device until the desired depth

homogenized and then transfer sediment to is reached. After the desired depth is

sample containers appropriate for the reached, rotate the sampler to shear off the

analyses requested. Samples for volatile core at the bottom. Slowly withdraw the

organic analysis must be collected directly sampler from the sediment and proceed to

from the bucket before homogenization to Step 15.

minimize volatilization of contaminants.

7.2.5 Sampling Subsurface Sediment with

a Coring Device from Beneath a

Shallow Aqueous Layer

For purposes of this method, subsurface sediment is

considered to range from 6 to 24 inches in depth and

a shallow aqueous layer is considered to range from 0

to 24 inches in depth. Collection of subsurface

sediment from beneath a shallow aqueous layer can be

accomplished with a system consisting of a tube

sampler, acetate tube, eggshell check valve, nosecone,

extensions, and "T" handle, or drivehead. The use of

additional extensions can increase the depth of water

from which sediment can be collected from 24 inches

to 10 feet or more. This sampler may be used with

either a drive hammer for firm sediment, or a "T"

handle for soft sediment. However, sample handling

and manipulation increases in difficulty with

increasing depth of water.

The following procedure describes the use of a sample

coring device (Figure 4, Appendix A) used to collect

subsurface sediments.

1. Assemble the coring device by inserting the

acetate core into the sampling tube.

core.

4. Screw the handle onto the upper end of the

7. If the drive hammer is selected, insert the

tapered handle (drive head) of the drive

hammer through the drive head.

8. Drive the sampler into the sediment to the

desired depth. 

9. Record the length of the tube that penetrated

the sample material, and the number of

blows required to obtain this depth.

10. Remove the drive hammer and fit the

keyhole-like opening on the flat side of the

hammer onto the drive head. In this position,

the hammer serves as a handle for the

sampler.

11. Rotate the sampler to shear off the core at the

bottom.

12. Lower the sampler handle (hammer) until it

just clears the two ear-like protrusions on the

drive head, and rotate about 90 .

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13. Slowly withdraw the sampler from the

sediment. If the drivehead was used, pull the

hammer upwards and dislodge the sampler

from the sediment.
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14. Carefully remove the coring device from the 2. All instrumentation must be operated in

water. accordance with operating instructions as

15. Unscrew the nosecone and remove the otherwise specified in the work plan.

eggshell check valve. Equipment checkout and calibration

16. Slide the acetate core out of the sampler sampling/operation, and they must be

tube. Decant surface water, using care to documented.

retain the fine sediment fraction. If head

space is present in the upper end, a hacksaw

may be used to shear the acetate tube off at

the sediment surface. The acetate core may

then be capped at both ends. Indicate on the

acetate tube the appropriate orientation of the

sediment core using a waterproof marker.

The sample may be used in this fashion, or

the contents transferred to a sample or

homogenization container.

17. Open the acetate tube and transfer the

sediment to a stainless steel, plastic or other

appropriate composition (e.g., Teflon)

container. Ensure that non-dedicated

containers have been adequately

decontaminated. If necessary, continue to

collect additional sediment until sufficient

material has been secured to fulfill analytical

requirements. Thoroughly homogenize and

then transfer sediment to sample containers

appropriate for the analyses requested.

Samples for volatile organic analysis must be

collected directly from the bucket before

homogenization to minimize volatilization of

contaminants.

8.0 CALCULATIONS

This section is not applicable to this SOP.

9.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE/

QUALITY CONTROL

There are no specific quality assurance (QA) activities 600/4-84-076.

which apply to the implementation of these

procedures. However, the following QA procedures de Vera, E.R., B.P. Simmons, R.D. Stephen, and D.L.

apply: Storm. Samplers and Sampling Procedures for

1. All data must be documented on field data

sheets or within site logbooks.

supplied by the manufacturer, unless

activities must occur prior to

10.0 DATA VALIDATION

This section is not applicable to this SOP.

11.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY

When working with potentially hazardous materials ,

follow U.S. EPA/OSHA and Corporate health and

safety procedures.

More specifically, when sampling sediment from

waterbodies, physical hazards must be identified and

adequate precautions must be taken to ensure the

safety of the sampling team. The team member

collecting the sample should not get too close to the

edge of the waterbody, where bank failure may cause

loss of balance. To prevent this, the person

performing the sampling should be on a lifeline, and

be wearing adequate protective equipment. If

sampling from a vessel is determined to be necessary,

appropriate protective measures must be implemented.

12.0 REFERENCES

Mason, B.J., Preparation of Soil Sampling Protocol:

Technique and Strategies. 1983 EPA-600/4-83-020.

Barth, D.S. and B.J. Mason, Soil Sampling Quality

Assurance User's Guide. 1984 EPA-600/4-84-043.

U.S. EPA. Characterization of Hazardous Waste Sites

- A Methods Manual: Volume II. Available

Sampling Methods, Second Edition. 1984 EPAHazardous Waste Streams. 1980 EPA-600/2-80-018.
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APPENDIX A

Figures

FIGURE 1. Sampling Auger
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APPENDIX A (Cont’d)

Figures

FIGURE 2. Ekman Dredge
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APPENDIX A (Cont’d)

Figures

FIGURE 3. Ponar Dredge
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APPENDIX A (Cont’d)

Figures

FIGURE 4. Sample Coring Device