What does the term "chain of custody" refer to in water sampling?

The term "chain of custody" specifically refers to documentation that tracks the handling of water samples from the time they are collected until they are analyzed. This process is vital in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the samples. Proper documentation includes details such as who collected the sample, when and where it was collected, and how it was stored and transported. This ensures that the samples have not been tampered with and that their integrity is preserved throughout the testing process.

The significance of maintaining a clear chain of custody is rooted in the legal and regulatory standards that apply to water quality testing. Accurate records bolster the reliability of the results and can be critical in regulatory compliance or legal contexts.

In contrast, while sampling techniques, physical containers, and sampling schedules are important aspects of the overall sampling process, they do not encompass the critical legal and procedural framework that the chain of custody represents.