Accurate Sampling of Suspended Solids

Automatic samplers have difficulty with sampling accuracy of inorganic particles larger than silt. The samples are generally at higher concentrations than the true mean concentration in the flow, because of the settling velocity of the particles and the sampling near the bottom of the flow. The vertical mixing is insufficient to overcome the settling of coarse silts and sands. A sampling methodology has been developed to accurately sample suspended solids in stormwater. This methodology is evaluated for its effectiveness, as well as its ability to be transferred to engineering and environmental practice. Emphasis is being placed on developing a methodology which is cost-effective, allowing a method of particle sampling which fits specific users and their projects.