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Sampling Reference Guide

Compliance with analysis-specific container and preservation requirements is a critical component to the sample collection process. In order to provide assistance to our clients during this stage of their projects, Alpha has a number of sampling reference guides which provide information on appropriate container type, required preservation, minimum sample volumes and associated method holding times for a variety of analytical parameters.

Aqueous Sample Reference Guide

Soil/Solid Sample Reference Guide

Sediment Sample Reference Guide

Tissue Sample Reference Guide

Oil/NAPL/Product Sample Reference Guide

Wipe Sample Reference Guide

Aqueous Sample Reference Guide

Inorganics
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Acidity SM2310B Plastic, no headspace 150 ml 4° C 14 Days
Alkalinity SM2320B Plastic, no headspace 250 ml 4° C 14 Days
Ammonia 350.1, SM4500NH3-BH Plastic 250 ml H2SO4, pH<2, 4° C 28 Days
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) SM5210B Plastic 500 ml 4° C 48 Hours
Bromide 300.0 Plastic 250 ml 4° C 28 Days
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) SM4500CO2-D Plastic, no headspace 150 ml 4° C Immediate
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 410.4, SM5220D Plastic 250 ml H2SO4, pH<2, 4° C 28 Days
Chloride 300.0, 9056, 9251, SM4500Cl-E Plastic 250 ml 4° C 28 Days
Chlorophyll-a 446.0 (M), SM10200H Dark Glass/Plastic or foil-covered container 500 ml 4° C Filtration within 24 hours. Filtrate may be stored up to 3 Days, or stored frozen up to 3 Weeks.
Cyanide, Amenable 9010C, SM4500CN-G Plastic 250 ml NaOH, pH>12, 4° C 14 Days
Cyanide, Free 9016, SM4500CN-E(M) Plastic covered with foil or Amber Glass 250 ml 50% NaOH, pH>12, 4° C 14 Days
Cyanide, Physiologically Available (PACN) 9014 (M) Plastic 250 ml NaOH, pH>12, 4° C 14 Days
Cyanide, Total 9010C/9012B, SM4500CN-CE Plastic 250 ml NaOH, pH>12, 4° C 14 Days
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) SM4500O-C BOD bottle with cap 300 ml Powder pillows, 4° C 8 Hours
Ferric Iron 6010D (Total Fe) and SM3500Fe-B (Ferrous Fe) (2) Plastic 150ml (Total) and 100ml (Ferrous) HNO3, pH<2, 4° C (Total) and 4° C (Ferrous) 24 Hours
Ferrous Iron SM3500Fe-B Plastic 100 ml 4° C 24 Hours
Fluoride 300.0, 9056, SM4500F-B, BC Plastic 500 ml 4° C 28 Days
Formaldehyde 1667 Amber Glass 1000 ml 4° C 5 Days
Formaldehyde 8315A Amber Glass 1000 ml 4° C 3 Days
Hardness 200.7, 200.8, 6010D, 6020B, SM2340B Plastic 500 ml HNO3, pH<2, 4° C 180 Days
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6) 7196A, SM3500Cr-D Plastic 500 ml 4° C 24 Hours
MBAS SM5540C Plastic 1000 ml 4° C 48 Hours
Mercury 245.1, 7470A, 7474 Plastic 500 ml HNO3, pH<2, 4° C 28 days
Mercury, Low-Level 1631E Glass 250 ml BrCl 90 Days; 48 hours if unpreserved
Metals 200.7, 200.8, 6010D, 6020B, 7000A Plastic 500 ml HNO3, pH<2, 4° C 180 Days
Nitrate 300.0, 353.2, 9056, SM4500NO3 -F Plastic 250 ml 4° C 48 Hours
Nitrate/Nitrite 353.2, SM4500NO3 -F Plastic 250 ml H2SO4, pH<2, 4° C 28 Days
Nitrite 353.2, SM4500NO3 -F, SM4500N02 -B Plastic 250 ml 4° C 48 Hours
Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) 351.1, SM4500NH3-H Plastic 250 ml H2SO4, pH<2, 4° C 28 Days
Oil & Grease 1664B Amber Glass (2) 1000 ml HCI, pH<2, 4° C 28 Days
Orthophosphate SM4500P-E Plastic 250 ml 4° C 48 Hours
pH 9040C, SM4500H+-B Plastic 250 ml 4° C Immediate
Phosphorous, Total SM4500P-E Plastic 250 ml H2SO4, pH<2, 4° C 28 Days
Salinity SM2520B Amber Glass 50 ml 4° C 28 Days
Solids, Total (TS) 2540B Plastic 250 ml 4° C 7 Days
Solids, Total Dissolved (TDS) SM2540C Plastic 500 ml 4° C 7 Days
Solids, Total Settleable SM2540F (2) Plastic 1000 ml 4° C 48 Hours
Solids, Total Suspended (TSS) SM2540D Plastic 1000 ml 4° C 7 Days
Solids, Total Volatile (TVS) SM2540E Plastic 500 ml 4° C 7 Days
Specific Conductance 120.1, 9050A, SM2510B Plastic/Glass, no headspace 250 ml 4° C 24 hours; or filter within 24 hours and store for 28 Days
Sulfate 300.0, 9038, 9056, SM4500SO4 -E Plastic 250 ml 4° C 28 Days
Sulfide 9030B, SM4500S2 -D Plastic (2) 250 ml ZnOAC, NaOH, pH>9, 4° C 7 Days
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) 9060A, SM5310C Amber Glass (2) 40 ml VOA Vials H2SO4, pH<2, 4° C 28 Days
Total Phenol 420.1, 9065 Amber Glass (2) 1000 ml H2SO4, pH<4, 4° C 28 Days
Total Residual Chlorine SM4500Cl-D Plastic 500 ml 4° C 24 Hours
Turbidity 180.1, SM2130B Plastic 500 ml 4° C 48 Hours

Volatile Organics by GC or GC/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
1,4-Dioxane 8260D-SIM Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (3) 40 ml VOA Vials HCL, pH<2, 4° C 14 Days
Dissolved Gases RSKSOP-175 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 20 ml VOA Vials HCL, pH<2, 4° C. If CO2, 4° C. 14 Days preserved; 7 Days Unpreserved
Volatile Organics - 524.2 524.2 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 40 ml VOA Vials Ascorbic Acid, HCL, pH<2, 4° C 14 Days
Volatile Organics - 624 624, 624.1, 624.1-SIM Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (3) 40 ml VOA Vials Na2S2O3, 4° C 7 Days (3 Days for Acrolein)
Volatile Organics - 8260 8260D Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (3) 40 ml VOA Vials HCL, pH<2, 4° C 14 Days

Extractable Organics by GC/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
1,4-Dioxane - 522 522 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 500 ml Na2O3S/NaHSO4, 4° C 28 Days (Extraction)
1,4-Dioxane 8270E-SIM w/Isotope Dilution Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 500 ml or (2) 250 ml {for LVI} 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
Acid/Base Neutral Extractables (ABN) - 625 625, 625.1, 625.1-SIM Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml Na2S2O3, 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
Acid/Base Neutral Extractables (ABN) - 8270 8270E, 8270E-SIM Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml or (2) 250 ml {for LVI} 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
PCB Aroclors 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
PCB Congeners 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
PCB Homologs 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - 625 625, 625.1, 625.1-SIM Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml Na2S2O3, 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - 8270 8270E, 8270E-SIM Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml or (2) 250 ml {for LVI} 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)

Extractable Organics by GC
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Ethylene dibromide (EDB) & 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) 504.1, 8011 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 40 ml Na2S2O3, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Chlorinated Herbicides 8151A Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
PCBs - 608 608.3 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml or (4) 1000 ml {for NY} Na2S2O3, 4° C 365 Days (Extraction)
PCBs - 8082 8082A Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml or (2) 125 ml {for LVI} or (2) 250 ml {for OH LVI} 4° C 365 Days (Extraction); 7 Days for CT RCP & NJ DEP
Pesticides (Organochlorine) - 608 608.3 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml Na2S2O3, 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
Pesticides (Organochlorine) - 8081 8081B Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 500 ml or (2) 125 ml {for LVI} 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)

Extractable Organics by LC/MS/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
PFAS - 537 537 Plastic (2) 250 ml Trizma, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
PFAS - 533 533 Plastic (2) 250 ml Ammonium Acetate, 4° C 28 Days (Extraction)
PFAS - Isotope Dilution LCMSMS-Isotope Dilution Plastic (2) 250 ml 4° C 28 Days (Extraction); 14 Days for ME DEP

Extractable Organics by HRMS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Dioxins & Furans - 1613 1613B Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 500 ml 4° C 365 Days
Dioxins & Furans - 8290 8290A Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 500 ml 4° C 365 Days
PCB Congeners - 1668A 1668A Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml 4° C 365 Days

Extractable Organics by IC/MS/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Perchlorate 332.0, 6860 Plastic 250 ml 4° C 28 Days (Extraction)

Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
CT ETPH CT ETPH Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
MA-DEP EPH EPH-04-1 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml HCl, pH<2, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
MA-DEP VPH VPH-18-2.1 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (3) 40 ml VOA Vials HCl, pH<2, 4° C 14 Days
ME DEP TPH DRO ME 4.1.25 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml HCl, pH<2, 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
ME DEP TPH GRO ME 4.2.17 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 40 ml VOA Vials HCl, pH<2, 4° C 14 Days
NJ EPH NJDEP EPH Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml HCl, pH<2, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
OH DRO/ORO 8015D (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 500 ml 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
OH GRO 8015D (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 40 ml VOA Vials HCl, pH<2, 4° C 14 Days
Petroleum Hydrocarbon Identification (PHI) 8015D (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
TPH-DRO 8015D (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml or (2) 500 ml {for LVI} 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
TPH GC/FID Quantitation only 8015D (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml or (2) 500 ml {for LVI} 4° C 7 Days (Extraction)
TPH-GRO 8015D (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 40 ml VOA Vials HCl, pH<2, 4° C 14 Days
TPH - Oil & Grease EPA 1664B Amber Glass, Teflon Lined (2) 1000 ml HCl, pH<2, 4° C 28 Days

Microbiological (Non-Potable)
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Coliform, Fecal SM9221E, SM9222D Specimen Cup (Sterile) 100 ml, 1-inch headspace 4° C; Na2S2O3 for chlorinated source 8 Hours
Coliform, Total SM9221B, SM9222B, SM9223B Specimen Cup (Sterile) 100 ml, 1-inch headspace 4° C; Na2S2O3 for chlorinated source 8 Hours
E.Coli SM9213, SM9223B Specimen Cup (Sterile) 100 ml, 1-inch headspace 4° C; Na2S2O3 for chlorinated source 8 Hours
Enterococcus 1600, Enterolert Specimen Cup (Sterile) 100 ml, 1-inch headspace 4° C; Na2S2O3 for chlorinated source 8 Hours
Heterotrophic Plate Count SM9215B Specimen Cup (Sterile) 100 ml, 1-inch headspace 4° C; Na2S2O3 for chlorinated source 8 Hours

Microbiological (Potable)
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Coliform, Fecal SM9221E, SM9222D Specimen Cup (Sterile) 100 ml, 1-inch headspace 4° C; Na2S2O3 for chlorinated source 8 Hours
Coliform, Total SM9221B, SM9222B, SM9223B Specimen Cup (Sterile) 100 ml, 1-inch headspace 4° C; Na2S2O3 for chlorinated source 8 Hours; 30 Hours for SM9223B
E.Coli SM9223B Specimen Cup (Sterile) 100 ml, 1-inch headspace 4° C; Na2S2O3 for chlorinated source 8 Hours
Heterotrophic Plate Count SM9215B Specimen Cup (Sterile) 100 ml, 1-inch headspace 4° C; Na2S2O3 for chlorinated source 8 Hours

Soil/Solid Sample Reference Guide

Inorganics
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Ammonia SM4500NH3-BH Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days
Cyanide, Physiologically Available 9014(M) Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days
Cyanide, Total 9010C/9012B, SM4500CN-CE Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days
Flashpoint 1010 Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6) 7196A Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 30 Days
Ignitability 1030 Amber Glass 4 oz Container; no headspace 4° C 14 Days
Mercury 7471B, 7474 Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days
Metals 6010D, 6020B, 7000A Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 180 Days
Moisture Content SM2540G Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days
Nitrate/Nitrite SM4500NO3-F Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days
Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) SM4500NH3-H Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days
pH 9045D Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C Immediate
Soot Soot Method (ES&T) Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days (9060)
Specific Conductance 9050A Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 days
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) 9060A, Lloyd Kahn (LK) Method Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days (9060), 14 Days (LK)
Total Phenol 9065 Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days
Total Phosphorus SM4500P-E Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days
Total Solids SM2540G Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days
Total Volatile Solids SM2540G Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days

Volatile Organics by GC/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Volatile Organics - 8260 (High Level) 8260D / 5035A (High Level) 40 ml Amber VOA Vial and Terracore, if required 5-15 Grams (refer to collection instructions) MeOH, 4° C 14 Days
Volatile Organics - 8260 (Low Level) 8260D / 5035A (Low Level) (2) 40 ml Amber VOA and Terracore, if required 5 Grams NaHSO4, 4° C 14 Days
Volatile Organics - 8260 (Low Level) 8260D / 5035A (Low Level) (2) 40 ml Amber VOA and Terracore, if required 5 Grams Water, 4 48 Hours (Freeze), 14 Days (Analysis)
Volatile Organics - 8260 (Encore) 8260D / 5035A (3) Encore samplers 15 Grams (Three 5 gram samplers) 4° C 48 Hours
OH Volatile Organics - 8260 8260D / 5030B Amber VOA Vial 2 oz Container 4° C 14 Days

Extractable Organics by GC/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Acid/Base Neutral Extractables (ABN) 8270E, 8270E-SIM Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
PCB Aroclors 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
PCB Congeners 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
PCB Homologs 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) 8270E, 8270E-SIM Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)

Extractable Organics by GC
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
PCBs 8082A Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 365 Days (Extraction); 14 Days for CT RCP & NJ DEP
Pesticides (Organochlorine) 8081B Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Chlorinated Herbicides 8151A Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)

Extractable Organics by LC/MS/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
PFAS - Isotope Dilution LCMSMS-Isotope Dilution Plastic 8 oz Container 4° C 90 Days (Extraction); 14 Days for ME DEP

Extractable Organics by HRMS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Dioxins & Furans 1613B Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 365 Days
Dioxins & Furans 8290A Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 365 Days
PCB Congeners - 1668A 1668A Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 365 Days

Extractable Organics by IC/MS/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Perchlorate 6860 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days (Extraction)

Extractable Organics
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Halides, Extractable Organic (EOX) 9023 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days

Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
CT ETPH CT ETPH Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
MA-DEP EPH EPH-04-1 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
MA-DEP VPH VPH-18-2.1 40 ml Amber VOA Vial 15 Grams MeOH, 4° C 28 Days
ME DEP TPH DRO ME 4.1.25 Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
ME DEP TPH GRO ME 4.2.17 40 ml Amber VOA Vial 15 Grams MeOH, 4° C 14 Days
NJ EPH NJDEP EPH Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
OH DRO 8015D (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
OH GRO 8015D (M) Amber VOA Vial 2 oz Container 4° C 14 Days
Petroleum Hydrocarbon Identification (PHI) 8015D (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
TPH-DRO 8015D (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
TPH GC/FID Quantitation only 8015D (M) Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
TPH-GRO 8015D (M) 40 ml Amber VOA Vial 15 Grams MeOH, 4° C 14 Days
TPH - Oil & Grease 1664B Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days

TCLP/SPLP
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Mercury 1311, 1312, 7470A Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days (Extraction)
Metals 1311, 1312, 6010D, 6020B, 7000A Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 180 Days (Extraction)
Pesticides/Herbicides 1311, 1312, 8081B, 8151A Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 8 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Semivolatiles 1311, 1312, 8270E Amber Glass, Teflon Lined 8 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Volatiles 1311, 1312, 8260D Large Amber Glass VOA Vial, Teflon Lined and Terracore, if required 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Volatiles (Encore) 1311, 1312, 8260D (1) Encore sampler 25 grams 4° C 48 Hours

Sediment Sample Reference Guide

Inorganics
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
AVS/SEM (Acid Volatile Sulfide / Simultaneously Extracted Metals) EPA-121-R91-100 Glass with teflon septa cap 4 oz Container, No headspace 4° C 14 Days
Cyanide, Physiologically Available 9014(M) Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days
Cyanide, Total 9010C/9012B Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days
Grain Size, Bulk Density, Organic Matter, Moisture Content ASTM Methods, SM2540G ziploc bag Quart ziploc NA NA
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6) 7196A Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 30 Days
Ignitability 1010 Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 180 Days
Mercury 7471B, 7474 Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days
Metals 6010D, 6020B, 7000A Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 180 Days
pH/Corrosivity 9045D Glass 4 oz Container 4° C Analyze immediately
Reactivity - Cyanide/Sulfide Ch. 7 SW-846 Glass 4 oz Container 4° C Analyze immediately
Sulfide 9030B Glass 4 oz Container, No headspace 4° C 28 Days (Extraction); 7 Days (Analysis)
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) 9060A, Lloyd Kahn (LK) Method Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days (9060) 14 Days (LK)
Total Solids SM 2540G Glass 4 oz Container 4° C NA
Total Volatile Solids SM 2540G Glass 4 oz Container 4° C NA

Volatile Organics by GC/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Volatile Organics - 8260 (High Level) 8260D / 5035A (High Level) 40 ml VOA Vial and Terracore, if required 15 Grams MeOH, 4° C 14 Days
Volatile Organics - 8260 (Low Level) 8260D / 5035A (Low Level) (2) 40 ml VOA Vial and Terracore, if required 5 Grams Water, 4° C 48 Hours (Freeze), 14 Days (Analysis)

Extractable Organics by GC/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Acid/Base Neutral Extractables (ABN) 8270E, 8270E-SIM Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
PCB Aroclors 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
PCB Congeners 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
PCB Homologs 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) 8270E, 8270E-SIM Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)

Extractable Organics by GC
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
PCB Aroclors 8082A Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 365 Days (Extraction); 14 Days for CT RCP & NJ DEP
PCB Congeners 8082A Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 365 Days (Extraction); 14 Days for CT RCP & NJ DEP
Pesticides 8081B Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)

Extractable Organics by LC/MS/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
PFAS - Isotope Dilution LCMSMS-Isotope Dilution Plastic 8 oz Container 4° C 90 Days (Extraction); 14 Days for ME DEP

Extractable Organics by HRMS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Dioxins & Furans 1613B Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 365 Days
Dioxins & Furans 8290A Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 365 Days
PCB Congeners - 1668A 1668A Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 365 Days

Extractable Organics
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Halides, Extractable Organic (EOX) 9023 Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 28 Days

Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
MA-DEP EPH EPH-04-1 Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
MA-DEP VPH VPH-18-2.1 40 ml Amber VOA Vial 15 Grams MeOH, 4° C 28 Days
Petroleum Hydrocarbon Identification (PHI) 8015D (M) Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
TPH-DRO 8015D (M) Amber Glass 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
TPH-GRO 8015D (M) 40 ml Amber VOA Vial 15 Grams MeOH, 4° C 14 Days

TCLP/SPLP
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Mercury 1311, 1312, 7470A Glass 8 oz Container 4° C 28 Days (Extraction)
Metals 1311, 1312, 6010D, 6020B, 7000A Glass 8 oz Container 4° C 180 Days (Extraction)
Pesticides/Herbicides 1311, 1312, 8081B, 8151A Glass 8 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Semivolatiles 1311, 1312, 8270E Glass 8 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Volatiles 1311, 1312, 8260D Large Amber Glass VOA Vial, Teflon Lined and Terracore, if required 4 oz Container 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Volatiles 1311, 1312, 8260D (1) Encore sampler 25 grams 4° C 48 Hours

Tissue Sample Reference Guide

Inorganics
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Mercury 7471B, 7474 Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year
Metals 6020B, 7000 Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year
Moisture Content SM2540G Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year
Percent Lipids Alpha Method Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year
Total Solids SM 2540G Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year

Extractable Organics
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Acid/Base Neutral Extractables (ABN) 8270E, 8270E-SIM Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year
PCB Aroclors 8082A / 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year
PCB Congeners - 1668A 1668A Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year
PCB Congeners 8082A / 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year
PCB Homologs 8082A / 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year
Pesticides 8081B / 8270E-SIM (M) Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) 8270E, 8270E-SIM Glass 4 oz Container Frozen 1 Year

Oil/NAPL/Product Sample Reference Guide

Volatile Organics by GC/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
PIANO Volatiles 8260D Mod. Glass 20 mL vial 4° C NA

Extractable Organics by GC/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Acid/Base Neutral Extractables (ABN) 8270E Glass 20 mL vial 4° C NA
PCB Aroclors 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Glass 20 mL vial 4° C NA
PCB Congeners 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Glass 20 mL vial 4° C NA
PCB Homologs 8270E-SIM/680 (M) Glass 20 mL vial 4° C NA
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) 8270E, 8270E-SIM Glass 20 mL vial 4° C NA

Extractable Organics by GC
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
PCB Aroclors 8082A Glass 20 mL vial 4° C NA

Extractable Organics by HRMS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
PCB Congeners - 1668A 1668A Glass 20 mL vial 4° C 365 Days

Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Saturated Hydrocarbons 8015D (M) Glass 20 mL vial 4° C NA
TPH-DRO 8015D (M) Glass 20 mL vial 4° C NA
Whole Oil Analysis Alpha Method Glass 20 mL vial 4° C NA

Wipe Sample Reference Guide

Inorganics
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Chloride 300.0, 9251 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe DI Water, 4° C 28 Days
Cyanide, Total 9010C/9012B 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe DI Water, 4° C 14 Days
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6) 7196A 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe DI Water, 4° C 1 Day
Mercury 7471B, 7474 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe DI Water, 4° C 28 Days
Metals 6010D, 6020B 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe DI Water, 4° C 180 Days
Oil & Grease 9071B 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 28 Days
Total Phosphorus SM4500P-E 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe DI Water, 4° C 28 Days

Volatile Organics by GC/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Volatile Organics - 8260 (High Level) 8260D / 5035A (High Level) 40 ml Amber VOA Vial 1 vial (refer to collection instructions) MeOH, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)

Extractable Organics
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Acid/Base Neutral Extractables (ABN) 8270E 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Chlorinated Herbicides 8151A 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
PCBs 8082A 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 365 Days (Extraction); 14 Days for CT RCP & NJ DEP
PCB Congeners/Homologs 8270E-SIM/680 (M) 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Pesticides 8081B 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) 8270E, 8270E-SIM 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)

Extractable Organics by IC/MS/MS
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
Perchlorate 6860 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 28 Days (Extraction)

Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Analyses Methods Container Sugg. Qty. Preservative Holding Time
CT ETPH CT ETPH 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
MA-DEP EPH EPH-04-1 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
Petroleum Hydrocarbon Identification (PHI) 8015D (M) 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)
TPH-DRO 8015D (M) 4oz. Amber Glass 1 jar with wipe 1:4 Acetone:Hexane, 4° C 14 Days (Extraction)

What Our Clients Are Saying

“One Sunday afternoon I received a request to sample due to a release. I contacted Dave Boring to discuss our needs and timing. We reconvened 15 minutes later with the logistics and how we would get the bottle ware and get the samples back to Alpha on Sunday. I can always count on Dave to work through any issue. ”

Support Services

Alpha Analytical offers courier service to your office or site Monday thru Friday within the five boroughs of  NYC, Long Island, Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley.