CPG Specimen Collection & Handling 5

Question 1

Which of the following is the BEST way to label a sample container in the field?

Accepted Answer

Use a waterproof label with a unique sample ID, date, time, sampler, preservative, and analyses

Answer

Complete, waterproof labels on each container tie the sample to field records and the chain of custody.

Question 2

A field blank differs from a trip blank because the field blank is:

Accepted Answer

Opened and exposed to field conditions at the sampling location

Answer

Field blanks are poured or exposed at the site to detect contamination from ambient field conditions.

Question 3

What is a key concern when collecting groundwater samples with a bailer for VOC analysis?

Accepted Answer

Aeration and agitation during bailing can cause volatile loss

Answer

Bailer insertion and pouring agitate and aerate the water, which can bias VOC concentrations low.

Question 4

For a composite soil sample, which analysis is generally NOT appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Volatile organic compounds

Answer

Compositing requires mixing that releases volatiles, so VOC samples are collected as discrete grabs.

Question 5

Rock hand specimens collected for petrographic thin sections should be:

Accepted Answer

Fresh, unweathered, and marked with location and orientation as needed

Answer

Fresh material shows true mineralogy and texture, and documented location and orientation preserve geologic context.

CPG - Certified Professional Geologist Practice Test