Seven Steps of the Samples Life

Environmental projects revolve around environmental data collection, analytical chemistry data for toxic pollutants in particular. Chemical data enable us to conclude, whether hazardous conditions exist at a site and whether such conditions create a risk to human health and the environment. We gather environmental chemical data by collecting samples of soil, water, and other environmental media at the right time and at the right place and by analyzing them for chemical pollutants. In other words, in the core of every environmental project lies an environmental sample. 

The Sample is analyzed at the laboratory (Step 5), and in the course of analysis it often ceases to exist (Step 6), being completely used up in the analytical procedure. Step 5 conceals many dangers for the Sample s wellbeing, for laboratory mistakes in preparation or analysis may threaten the production of the desired data and render the Sample useless. If not completely used up during analysis, the Sample nevertheless expires (Step 6) when it reaches the limit of its holding time as prescribed by the analytical method. The Sample thus reaches the end of its life and is discarded. However, its spirit is reincarnated in the form of chemical data (Step 7). In the afterlife of the Sample, chemical data becomes the Sample s alter ego and acquire a life of their own. Whether they are valid or invalid, the chemical data are the Sample s immortal legacy and a testimony to our ability to plan and execute environmental projects. 

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