How can the representativity of water samples be ensured?

Ensuring the representativity of water samples is crucial for obtaining accurate and meaningful data. One effective method is to avoid stagnant and known contaminated sites. Stagnant water can lead to non-representative samples due to the accumulation of pollutants, sediments, and biochemical changes that differ from flowing water sources. By steering clear of these areas, the samples collected will more accurately reflect the overall quality and characteristics of the water body being tested, as they are less likely to be influenced by localized contamination or the effects of stagnation.

While other methods, such as taking samples at different times or testing at various locations and depths, can also enhance representativity, they may not address the immediate and potentially significant impact of collecting samples from affected or stagnant areas. Proper sampling techniques must exclude known compromised areas to ensure that the data collected represents the actual conditions of the water body as a whole.