Since I had experience as an Environmental Analyst, it has been debatable, when pulling Environmental samples, of what is considered a representative sample vs. a non-representative sample. Now I have learned that a representative sample…is…well, a rather self-explanatory…it is an accurate representation of a sample collection during a sampling event. For instance, if a composite sample is run, and samples are drawn at routine time intervals (i.e. - one 100mL sample per hour during a 24-hour period and after the event, you examine the sample, and it checks out okay. Basically it’s a sampling event that has gone satisfactorily.

A NON-Representative sample, doesn’t go the way we want it and typically the sampling event has to be run again. For example, sometimes a sample jug can overflow during sampling event due to a high rate of flow in the sampling stream has gone quicker than expected (i.e. - a rainstorm caused the river to create high volume of stream in which the sample probe is placed)

Sometimes if a contamination of the sample occurs within the sample matrix, it too can be considered a NON-representative sample. Sometimes non-proportional sample is considered a non-representative sample.
To help us to run samples that are representative, depending upon state and federal authorities. There are some documentations that are known as in the Environmental sampling methods. Here’s an example of a documentation of a sampling SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for Groundwater Sampling Techniques.

By following these directions, you can pretty much avoid environmental sampling events. With proper equipment, PPE gear, and a proper sampling techniques, you can avoid environmental sampling issues.

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