What practice should be observed when transporting water samples?

Transporting water samples with ice packs is essential to maintaining the integrity of the samples and ensuring accurate results. Temperature fluctuations can affect the chemical and biological characteristics of water samples, potentially leading to degradation or alterations in the composition. By using ice packs, the temperature is kept low, helping to preserve the samples in their original state from the moment they are collected until they reach the laboratory for analysis. This practice minimizes the risk of contamination and helps ensure that the analysis reflects the true conditions of the water source at the time of sampling.

Maintaining a controlled environment during transport is a fundamental principle in water sampling protocols, as it directly impacts the reliability of the data obtained from the samples.