What type of container is typically used for collecting water samples?

The use of clean, sterilized glass or plastic containers is the standard practice for collecting water samples due to their ability to maintain sample integrity and prevent contamination. Glass containers are non-reactive, ensuring that chemical analyses remain accurate and free from interference. Plastic containers must also be of high quality, specifically designed for chemical sampling, to avoid leaching substances that could alter the water sample composition.

In contrast, metal containers may introduce metallic contaminants that could affect the analysis. Paper bags are unsuitable for water sampling as they cannot contain liquids. Reusable plastic containers may not always provide the necessary sterility required for certain applications, as improper cleaning and residual contaminants could compromise the sample quality. Thus, using clean, sterilized glass or plastic containers is essential to ensure reliable and valid results in water quality testing.