Low-flow ground water sampling -- is it a cure-all?

Journal Article · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6592.1997.tb01278.x· OSTI ID:516741

Stone, W J ^[1]

---

1. NMED-DOE OB, Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Several advantages are generally presented in favor of low-flow sampling. With less pump-induced turbidity, there is less need for filtration. The smaller volume of water purged reduces disposal costs. Drawdown is also minimized, especially in low-permeability formations. Overall, sample consistency is improved, especially with dedicated samplers. If low-flow sampling could be shown to yield representative ground water samples, it would indeed be an improvement over traditional methods. However, the validity of the basic assumption in the method is of concern. Therefore, the question remaining before adopting the low-flow method is whether the water obtained is from the wellbore, the filter pack, or the aquifer. Few of the papers on low-flow sampling give both sides of the issues they raise. Thus, the purposes of this paper are to (1) examine evidence offered for and against the assumption that flow is horizontal and samples obtained are representative of water in the aquifer; and (2) suggest some possible ways to resolve concerns about the method.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 516741
• Journal Information: Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation, Journal Name: Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 17; ISSN 1069-3629; ISSN GWMREV
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
GROUND WATER
MONITORING
SAMPLERS
SAMPLING
WATER POLLUTION