ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLING - A BRIEF REVIEW

Proper application of statistical principles at the outset of an envir onmental study can make the difference between an effective, efficient study and wasted resources. This review distills some of the thoughts current among environmental scientists from a variety of backgrounds and organizes them according to statistical principles. Collection and review of preliminary information is important for guiding sampling d esign. Problems must be carefully defined before rational sample selec tion is possible. Many potential sources of variability exist, and as many of these sources as possible should be identified, assessed, and, ideally, minimized. Sample selection itself will depend on the precis e questions that are to be addressed by the study and on what assumpti ons can be reasonably made about structures and patterns of contaminan ts in the field. Careful specification of protocols for sample procure ment are needed Choices of statistical analyses will depend on how dat a are collected, and intended analyses should be predetermined as part of the sampling plan. Proper attention to these principles will subst antially increase the quality and efficiency of an environmental sampl ing program.