A system for taking a representative sample from a large volume of turbid surface sea water for trace element determinations

The sampler is designed for use in routine monitoring of dissolved and particulate trace metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Sb and Bi) in turbid sea water. By continuous horizontal sampling, the 5-l volume of sea water actually collected is representative of a very large volume (3000 1). The system includes pumping and filtration apparatus, suitable for use by unskilled operators, to collect small liquid and particulate samples in a closed system precluding atmospheric contamination. Filtration (0.45-μm filter) under pressure makes it possible to collect 50–100 mg of suspended matter from shallow water within 45 min. Tests under routine working conditions show satisfactory results.