This practice establishes the standard method of preserving waterborne oil samples from the time of collection to the time of analysis. Information is provided to ensure sample integrity and to avoid contamination and to minimize microbial degradation. This practice is for controlled field or laboratory conditions and specifies thorough preparation of equipment and precise operation. If, however, these details must be compromised in a field emergency, nonstandard simplifications that will minimize or eliminate consequent errors are recommended. This procedure requires the use of the following apparatuses: sample containers, preferably borosilicate glass (plastic and metal are not acceptable ); closures; an explosion-proof refrigerator; and shipping containers (sturdy cartons or wooden boxes). Samples may be of several types, such as tar balls, collected oil, oil-water mixtures, emulsions, and oil and water on collecting devices such as silanized glass cloth, TFE-fluorocarbon polymer, or other materials. Instructions are given for the care of samples to minimize changes due to autoxidation and microbial attack between the time of sampling and the time of testing. Services available for transportation of samples are described as well.

1.1 This practice covers the preservation of waterborne oil samples from the time of collection to the time of analysis. Information is provided to ensure sample integrity and to avoid contamination and to minimize microbial degradation.

1.2 The practice is for controlled field or laboratory conditions and specifies thorough preparation of equipment and precise operation. Where these details must be compromised in a field emergency, nonstandard simplifications are recommended that will minimize or eliminate consequent errors. Note 1Procedures for the analysis of oil spill samples are Practices D 3326, D 3415, D 3650, and D 4489, and Test Methods D 3327, D 3328, and D 3414. A guide to the use of ASTM test methods for the analysis of oil spill samples is found in Practice D 3415.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.