Sample Collection

Pocket Guide
CANADA
Version 4
May 2024

Right Solutions • Right Partner

[Link]
Emergency spill response: 1-855-838-LABS (5227)
 Important Information
GENERAL > This pocket guide is to be used for all Canadian environmental
testing. Please contact your ALS laboratory directly for Ontario Drinking
Water sampling requirements. Coolers and ice packs plus labelled pre-
dosed colour-coded sample containers are provided for all analyses
conducted by ALS. Pre-dosed colour-coded preservative vials are also
available upon request. ALS Project Managers are available to assist and
provide guidance as required.
CONTAINER VOLUME AND QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS >
Some containers exist in several sizes to accommodate varying suites
of analyses while focusing on minimizing weight (OH&S and sampling
benefits). Please refer to the notes section under each sample container.
According to CCME Volume 1 Guidance Manual, the recommended
minimum frequency for testing laboratory duplicate samples is 1 in 20
samples and 1 in 10 samples for field duplicates.
SAMPLING AND PRESERVATION > Care must be taken not to rinse
out or spill preservatives during sampling for OH&S reasons and to avoid
cross-contaminating other bottles (e.g. Nitric acid used for metals can
contaminate nitrate analysis). Field filtration is strongly recommended for
"dissolved" tests and chlorophyll, and may be required by some jurisdictions.
Samples should generally be chilled to ≤6°C and transported to the
laboratory with enough ice packs to keep sample temperature to ≤10°C,
but without freezing. ALS recommends placing samples in ice immediately
upon sampling for best practice chilling, with either repacking into another
cooler or draining of free water and replacement of ice just prior to dispatch.
Chilling overnight in a fridge may also benefit. The post-chilling addition of
ice packs is also recommended where samples are shipped by air or long
distances and where couriers will not accept loose ice. Samples taken
from chlorinated water sources require addition of sodium thiosulfate for
microbiological, volatile organics, and semi-volatile organics tests. Please
advise ALS accordingly to facilitate supply of appropriate containers.
HEALTH AND SAFETY > Although the quantities of preservative dosed
into containers is minimal, it is important to observe safe chemical
handling practices while using bottles. Use of appropriate Personal
Protection Equipment such as chemical-resistant gloves and safety
glasses is recommended. Bottle labels indicate preservative type, hazard
pictograms, and signal words based on the Globally Harmonized System
of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Safety Data Sheets are
available on the ALS website or can be provided upon request along with
Safety information and First Aid instructions. All our preservatives can
be shipped Limited Quantity under Transportation of Dangerous Goods
(TDG) requirements, or Excepted Quantity under the IATA Dangerous
Goods Regulation. None of the preservatives, except for methanol, are
considered Dangerous Goods (DG) after mixing with the sample in the
designated sample bottle. Search 'SDS' on ALS website [Link].
HOLDING TIMES > ALS recommended holding times are indicated.
Failure to comply with these holding times may impact data validity.
Samples and COCs should be submitted (preferably by email from
remote locations to assist login) with at least half the analytical holding
time remaining unless prior arrangements are made. Short holding times
are shaded in yellow to assist.
 WATER WATER WATER

GENERAL TSS & TDS BOD or

CHEMISTRY (Low) CBOD
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
250 mL hdpe 500 mL hdpe 500 mL hdpe

Sample Collection
60 mL hdpe (Anions only) 145 mL hdpe (Whole Bottle
TSS)

Pocket Guide
PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION
Nil Nil Nil
Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C
TEST PARAMETER(S)
Acidity, Alkalinity, Anions CANADA
(Cl, Br, SO4, F, NO3, NO2), TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)
Colour, Conductivity,
ORP, Orthophosphate,
pH, Silica, Tannin & Lignin,
Version 4
TSS Low (1 mg/L LOR) and
TDS Low (3 mg/L LOR) +
all General Chemistry tests,
BOD or CBOD

TIC/DIC, Turbidity, UV
Abs/Trans, Routine TDS May 2024
or Whole Bottle TSS
(10 mg/L LOR), Routine
TSS (3 mg/L LOR) or
Total VFA (see VOCs for
discrete VFAs)

NOTES NOTES NOTES

pH and ORP should be Please submit immediately
tested in the field as per to the lab.
CCME, APHA, BC ENV. 4 days (ON).
HOLDING TIME
pH – 15 mins,4 days
(ON-MISA);
Alkalinity/Acidity/DIC/TIC
– 14 days;
EC/Br/Cl/F/SO4 - 28 days;
EC – 4 days (ON-MISA);
TSS /TDS – 7 days; HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME
Turbidity – 3 days, 2 days TSS/TDS - 7 days BOD/CBOD – 48 hours
(ON); see General Chemistry for (AB, MB, Pulp and Paper);
Orthophosphate/NO2/ other tests. 3 days (BC);
NO3 – 3 days, 7 days 4 days (ON).
(ON);
Total VFA - 7 days;
Colour/UV Abs/Trans – 3
days;
AB Municipal Waterworks:
Colour/NO2/NO3/ Right Solutions • Right Partner
Turbidity/UV Abs - 48
hours [Link]
GREEN GREEN
Emergency spill response: 1-855-838-LABSGREEN
(5227)
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OXYHALIDES NUTRIENTS SULFIDE

SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER

60 mL opaque hdpe (EDA) 100 mL amber glass 60 mL hdpe
(H2SO4) (Zn(OAC)2+NaOH)

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Ethylenediamine Sulfuric acid Zinc acetate + Sodium
Chill to ≤10ºC Chill to ≤10°C hydroxide
Chill to ≤10°C

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

Bromate, Chlorate, Nutrients, Total or Sulfide, Total or Dissolved
Chlorite, Perchlorate Dissolved (COD, NH3, TKN/ (field-flocculated)
DKN, TN/DN, TOC/DOC,
TP/TDP, Total Phenols)
Tick the applicable test on
the label.
Tick the applicable
checkbox on the label.

NOTES NOTES NOTES

Perchlorate: Field filtration Field filtration is Dissolved Sulfide: AlCl3 field
(0.2 µm) recommended recommended for flocculation kit is provided
to prevent bacterial dissolved parameters with instructions. Sulfide
degradation. (preserve after filtration). should not be filtered due to
For drinking water systems oxidation risk.
using chlorine dioxide,
sparge samples with HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME
inert gas (He, Ar, N2) for 28 days 7 days
~5-10 mins; add EDA
immediately after sparging.

HOLDING TIME
Bromate, Chlorate,
Perchlorate - 28 days;
Chlorite - 14 days.

GHS – Warning GHS – Danger GHS – Danger

Irritant Corrosive Corrosive &
Environmental hazard

BEIGE PURPLE PINK

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CYANATE CYANIDE THIOCYANATE

SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER

2 x 145 mL hdpe (NaOH) 60 mL opaque hdpe 60 mL hdpe (HNO3)
(NaOH)

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Sodium hydroxide Sodium hydroxide Nitric acid
Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

Cyanate Cyanide, Total/SAD, WAD, Thiocyanate
Free
Tick the applicable test(s)
on the label. Protect from light during
sampling.

Tick the applicable test(s)

on the label.

NOTES NOTES NOTES

HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME

14 days 14 days 14 days

GHS – Danger GHS – Danger GHS – Danger

Corrosive Corrosive Corrosive

DARK GREEN DARK GREEN RED

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METALS & METALS &

MERCURY
MAJOR MAJOR CATIONS
(Lab-Preserved)
CATIONS (Lab-Preserved)
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
60 or 125 mL hdpe (HNO3) 60 or 125 mL hdpe Routine – 40 mL glass
Low & Trace – 60 or
125 mL glass

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Nitric acid Nil Nil

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

Metals and Major Cations, Metals and Major Cations Mercury (lab-preserved),
Total or Dissolved (field- (lab-preserved), Total or Total or Dissolved (field-
filtered). Dissolved (field-filtered). filtered). Not applicable in
Required for Low Metals. Ontario.
Not applicable in Ontario.
Tick the applicable test Tick the applicable test Tick the applicable test
on the label. Tick the on the label. Tick the on the label. Tick the
'Field-Filtered' checkbox if 'Field-Filtered' checkbox if 'Field-Filtered' checkbox if
applicable. applicable. applicable.

NOTES NOTES NOTES

Field filtration is required Field filtration is strongly Field filtration is strongly
for Dissolved Metals recommended for recommended for dissolved
(pre-charged or field- dissolved parameters. parameters.
preserved).
Field preservation is Field preservation is
Lab-Preserved container recommended for rush recommended for rush
is required for Low testing. testing.
Chromium.
HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME
180 days, 180 days, lab preserve 28 days
60 days (ON), within 14 days.
30 days (ON-MISA).

GHS – Danger
Corrosive

RED RED/GREEN RED/GREEN

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METHYL FERROUS
MERCURY
MERCURY IRON
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
40 mL glass (HCl) 250 mL amber glass 60 mL opaque hdpe (HCl)
(HCl) – freshwater or
(H2SO4) – seawater

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Hydrochloric acid Hydrochloric acid or Hydrochloric acid
Sulfuric acid Chill to ≤10°C
Chill to ≤10°C

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

Mercury, Total or Dissolved Methyl Mercury, Total or Dissolved Ferrous Iron
(field-filtered) Dissolved (field-filtered) (field-filtered)

Tick the applicable test Tick the applicable test

on the label. Tick the on the label. Tick the
'Field-Filtered' checkbox if 'Field-Filtered' checkbox if
applicable. applicable.

NOTES NOTES NOTES

Field filtration is required Field filtration is strongly Field filtration is required.
for Dissolved Mercury (pre- recommended for
charged). dissolved parameters.
Freshwaters: Preserve with
Lab-Preserved container is hydrochloric acid.
required for Low and Trace Seawaters: (>500 ppm
Mercury. chloride or >1 ‰ salinity); HOLDING TIME
Preserve with sulfuric acid. 7 days – if field-filtered
HOLDING TIME using 0.45 µm filters.
28 days HOLDING TIME
180 days

GHS – Danger GHS – Danger GHS – Danger

Corrosive & Irritant Corrosive & Irritant Corrosive & Irritant

YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW

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SELENIUM VOLATILE
ARSENIC
SPECIATION SELENIUM
SPECIATION
(Non-Volatile) SPECIES
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
60 mL opaque hdpe 2 x 40 mL amber glass 60 mL opaque hdpe
(HNO3) (EDTA /Acetic acid)

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Nil Nitric acid EDTA + Acetic acid
Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C
Store in the dark

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

Speciated Selenium Volatile Selenium Species Speciated Arsenic,
(non-volatile), Dissolved Dissolved (field-filtered)
(field-filtered)
Tick the 'Field-Filtered'
Tick the 'Field-Filtered' checkbox if applicable.
checkbox if applicable.

NOTES NOTES NOTES

Field filtration (0.2 µm) Fill with zero headspace. Field filtration is required.
is required for dissolved Fill bottle (contains EDTA)
parameters. with sample, then add
Acetic acid preservative
from separate vial provided.

HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME

30 days 7 days 28 days

GHS – Danger GHS – Danger

Corrosive Corrosive & Irritant

GREEN RED CHERRY

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HEXAVALENT
HEXAVALENT TETRAETHYL
CHROMIUM
CHROMIUM LEAD
(Ontario only)
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
60 mL hdpe (NaOH) 60 mL hdpe 2 x 100 mL amber glass
[NaOH/(NH4)2SO4/ (NaOH)
NH4OH]

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Sodium hydroxide Sodium hydroxide + Sodium hydroxide
Chill to ≤10°C Ammonium sulfate + Chill to ≤10°C
Ammonium hydroxide
Chill to ≤10°C
TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)
Hexavalent Chromium, Hexavalent Chromium, Tetraethyl lead
Total or Dissolved (field- Total or Dissolved (field-
filtered) filtered)

Tick the 'Field-Filtered' Tick the 'Field-Filtered'

checkbox if applicable. checkbox if applicable.

NOTES NOTES NOTES

Field filtration is required Field filtration is required Fill with zero headspace.
for Dissolved Hexavalent for Dissolved Hexavalent
Chromium (pre-charged Chromium (pre-charged
container). container).

HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME

28 days 28 days 14 days

GHS – Danger GHS – Danger GHS – Danger

Corrosive Corrosive, Irritant & Corrosive
Environmental hazard

DARK GREEN DARK GREEN DARK GREEN

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CHLORO-
RADIOCHEMISTRY ORGANOTINS
PHYLL A
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
250 mL hdpe (HNO3) or 250 mL opaque hdpe 15 mL opaque tube (filters)
1 L hdpe (HNO3) (Na2S2O3) 250 mL opaque hdpe

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Nitric acid Nil Nil
Ambient temperature Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C
Freeze filters

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

Gross alpha/beta Organotins (MBT, DBT, Chlorophyll a
TBT)
Radium 226, Gamma,
Isotopes (Th, U, Pb, Sr,
Po, Pu)

NOTES NOTES NOTES

250 mL - Gross alpha/beta Leave 10% headspace Field filter minimum
1 L - Ra 226, gamma or to allow for expansion if 250 mL sample. Place
isotopes (+ extra 1 L per frozen. Protect from light. filter(s) in tube & record
listed isotope). filtered volume on CoC.
Freeze before shipping to
the lab. For lab filtration,
HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME ship immediately to the lab.
Protect from light during
180 days 3 days - unpreserved, or sampling.
freeze within 3 days;
28 days - frozen. HOLDING TIME
48 hours (lab-filtered),
28 days (field-filtered,
frozen).

GHS – Danger
Corrosive

RED BLACK BLACK

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RESIN &
OIL & GREASE ALDEHYDES
FATTY ACIDS
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
2 × 250 mL or 2 ×100 mL 2 × 40 mL glass vials 2 ×100 mL amber glass
amber glass (HCl) (NH4Cl+CuSO4) (C6H8O6+NaOH)

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Hydrochloric acid Ammonium Chloride + Ascorbic acid + Sodium
Chill to ≤10°C Copper sulfate hydroxide
Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

Total Oil+Grease and Formaldehyde Resin and Fatty Acids
Mineral Oil+Grease or
Oil+Grease (FTIR)

NOTES NOTES NOTES

2 x 250 mL - Gravimetric; Fill with zero headspace.
2 x 100 mL - FTIR.

HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME

28 days 7 days 14 days

GHS – Danger GHS – Warning GHS – Danger

Corrosive & Irritant Irritant Corrosive

YELLOW BROWN DARK BLUE

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HYDROCARBONS
VOCs PHENOLICS
/ PAHs
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
2 × 40 mL glass vials 2 ×100 mL amber glass 2 × 100 mL amber glass
(NaHSO4) (NaHSO4) (NaHSO4)

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Sodium bisulfate Sodium bisulfate (+ Sodium Sodium bisulfate
Chill to ≤10°C thiosulfate for NTA) Chill to ≤10°C
Chill to ≤10°C

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

BTEX/VOCs/THMs, F1, VH/ F2-F4, EPH (BC & RBCA), Phenolics, Chlorinated and
VPH (BC & RBCA), VFAs LEPH/HEPH, PAHs, or Non-chlorinated
(discrete substances), Alkylated PAHs, or NTA
1,4-Dioxane, Chlorinated
Aliphatics, C1-C5 Gases

NOTES NOTES NOTES

Fill with zero headspace. RBCA TPH analysis requires Contact lab for sampling
For chlorinated water Hydrocarbon & VOC requirements for
(except C1-C5 gases), containers. hydroxyphenols (catechol,
use sodium thiosulfate resorcinol, hydroquinone).
If sample volume is limited,
preservative (light blue
label). VOC tests may use this
bottle (zero headspace and
lab notification required).
HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME
14 days 14 days 14 days

GHS – Danger GHS – Danger GHS – Danger

Corrosive Corrosive Corrosive

BLUE BLUE BLUE

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ALCOHOLS/ NAPHTHENIC PCBs

GLYCOLS ACIDS (Trace)

SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER

2 × 40 mL glass vials 100 mL amber glass 2 x 500 mL amber glass
narrow mouth, septa cap

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Nil Nil Nil
Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

Alcohols and Glycols Naphthenic Acids PCBs (Trace)

NOTES NOTES NOTES

HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME

7 days 14 days 1 year, 14 days (ON)

ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE

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SEMI-VOL ALKANOLAMINES/
SPECIALTY
ORGANICS BISPHENOL A/
ORGANICS
(Routine or Low) NPEs/SULFOLANE
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
2 x 100 mL amber glass 2 × 1L amber glass 100 mL amber glass
(Na2S2O3)

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Sodium thiosulfate Nil Nil
Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

BNAs (excluding PAHs) or Dioxins/PCB Congeners or Alkanolamines (MEA, DEA,
OCPs/PCBs/Toxaphene PBDEs/PBBs or Chlorinated DIPA), Nonylphenol and
(Routine or Low) Alkanes/Paraffins Nonylphenol Ethoxylates
(NPEs), Sulfolane,
Bisphenol A

NOTES NOTES NOTES

HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME

PCBs - 1 year, 14 days 1 year 7 days
(ON);
BNAs/OCPs/Toxaphene - 7
days, 14 days (ON).

ORANGE ORANGE GREY

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HALOACETIC NDMA/
ENERGETICS
E
ACIDS NITROSAMINES
SAMPLE CONTAINER
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
SAMPLE CONTAINER
22 xx 11 LL amber
amber glass
glass 40 mL
40 mL amber
amber glass
glass (NH4Cl)
(NH4Cl) 100
100 mLmL amber or
glass or
amber glass
22 XX 500
500 mL
mL amber
amber glass
glass
(Na2S2O3)
(Na2S2O3)

PRESERVATION
PRESERVATION PRESERVATION
PRESERVATION PRESERVATION
PRESERVATION
Nil
Nil Ammonium Chloride
Ammonium Chloride Sodium thiosulfate
Sodium thiosulfate
Chill to
Chill to ≤10°C
≤10°C Chill to
Chill to ≤10°C
≤10°C Chill to
Chill to ≤10°C
≤10°C

TEST PARAMETER(S)
TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)
TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)
TEST PARAMETER(S)
Energetics (Explosives)
Energetics (Explosives) Haloacetic Acids
Haloacetic Acids NDMA/Nitrosamines
NDMA/Nitrosamines

NOTES
NOTES NOTES
NOTES NOTES
NOTES
Routine -- 100
Routine 100 mL
mL amber
amber
glass
glass
Low or
Low or Trace
Trace -- 22 xx 500
500 mL
mL
amber glass
amber glass

HOLDING TIME
HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME
HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME
HOLDING TIME
77 days
days 14 days
14 days 14 days
14 days

GHS –– Warning
GHS Warning
Irritant
Irritant

GREY GREY GREY

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PESTICIDES
PFAS 6-PPD-QUINONE
(LC/MS/MS)

SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER

60 mL hdpe or 60 mL hdpe (no liner) or 2 x 100 mL amber glass
1-3 x 100 mL amber glass 2-3 x 250 mL hdpe, no liner
(Na2S2O3) (Trizma if chlorinated)

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Sodium thiosulfate Trizma if chlorinated Nil
Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

Pesticide Scans 1 & 2, PFAS 6-PPD-Quinone
or Diquat/Paraquat,
Glyphosate/AMPA or
Phenoxy Herbicides.

NOTES NOTES NOTES

60 mL hdpe - Diquat/ Routine - 60 mL hdpe
Paraquat, Glyphosate/
AMPA;
Trace - 2 x 250 mL hdpe &
60 mL hdpe (TSS &
100 mL amber glass -
screening)
Pesticide Scans 1 & 2
(Routine), Phenoxy
Herbicides. Drinking Water - 3 x 250
mL hdpe (Trizma)
3 x 100 mL amber glass -
Pesticide Scans 1 & 2 Avoid "blue ice" and
(Low) or Trace Phenoxy exposure to Teflon™.
Herbicides.

HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME

Diquat/Paraquat - 7 days; 28 days 14 days
Glyphosate/AMPA - 14
days;
Phenoxy Herbicides - 7
days;
Pesticide Scans 1 & 2 - 7
days.

GREY GREY GREY

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CRYPTO/ RAINBOW TROUT/

MICROTOX
GIARDIA DAPHNIA MAGNA

SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER

10 L pail or carboy, no liner 100 mL amber glass 2-4 x 10 L pails or carboys
(Rainbow Trout)
1-2 x 1 L hdpe (Daphnia)

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Nil Nil Nil
Chill to ≤10°C, Chill to ≤10°C Do Not Freeze
Do Not Freeze
TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)
Cryptosporidium/Giardia Microtox Rainbow trout: LC50 or
Pass/Fail (standard or pH-
stabilized)

Daphnia magna: LC50 or

Pass/Fail

NOTES NOTES NOTES

Fill with zero headspace. Minimize headspace, store Rainbow trout: LC50
in the dark. (4x10L), or Pass/Fail (2x10L)
Field filtration may be used Daphnia magna: LC50
to sample larger volumes. (2x1L), or Pass/Fail (1x1L)

Fill with zero headspace.

Volume requirements
are the same for the pH-
stabilized trout tests.
Control temperature to
1-8°C if transport time
> 2 days or ambient
HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME temperature is not within
4 days 3 days 1-30°C.

HOLDING TIME
5 days

GREY GREY GREY

 WATER SOIL/SOLID/SEDIMENT SOIL/SOLID/SEDIMENT

PFAS/
MICROBIOLOGY VOLATILES
ORGANOTINS
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
250 mL sterile hdpe 120 mL hdpe jar 2 × 40 mL glass vials (5g
(Na2S2O3) (Teflon™ free) Soil corer/ Methanol) or
2 × Hermetic samplers

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

Sodium thiosulfate Nil Methanol
Chill to <10°C, Chill to ≤10°C Chill to ≤10°C
Do Not Freeze
TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)
[Link]/Fecal/Total PFAS and Organotins BTEX/VOCs, F1, VH/
Coliforms or Pseudomonas VPH (BC & RBCA),
aeruginosa and Cl-Aromatics, VFAs,
Enterococcus, or 1,4-Dioxane
Legionella, and HPC

NOTES NOTES NOTES

Submit immediately to PFAS: Avoid “blue Additional 120 mL glass jar
the lab. ice” and exposure to required for moisture.
Teflon™ .
HPC can be sub-sampled Verify methanol is at
from another sterile 10 mL fill line before
Microbiology sample use. Use 2 soil plugs per
sample for peat/muskeg.
bottle.
Store in VOC-free area.
Trip Blank recommended.

HOLDING TIME
Field Methanol – 40 days,
14 days (ON), 28 days
HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME (RBCA);
[Link]/coliforms – 30 hours, 28 days Hermetic Samplers – 48
48 hours (ON); hours, 7 days (frozen).
HPC – 24 hours, 48 hours
(ON); GHS – Danger
Pseudomonas/
Flammable, Toxic &
Enterococcus - 30 hours,
Health hazard.
48 hours (ON);
Legionella – 48 hours.

LIGHT BLUE ORANGE ORANGE

 SOIL/SOLID/SEDIMENT

GENERAL PARAMETERS

SAMPLE CONTAINER
Organics
Organics tests*:
tests*: 11 xx 120
120 mL
mL glass
glass jar
jar
Specialty
Specialty Organics
Organics tests*:
tests*: 11 xx 250
250 mLmL amber
amber glass
glass jar
jar (Dioxins/PBBs/PBDEs/Cl-Paraffins)
(Dioxins/PBBs/PBDEs/Cl-Paraffins)
Inorganics/Metals
Inorganics/Metals tests*:tests*: 11 xx 120
120 mL
mL glass
glass jar
jar (Ontario:
(Ontario: 11 xx 250
250 mL)
mL)
*Double
*Double recommended
recommended amounts amounts for for high
high moisture
moisture sediment,
sediment, sludge,
sludge, gravel,
gravel, rocky
rocky soil,soil,
peat/muskeg,
peat/muskeg, or or low
low density
density solids
solids (e.g.
(e.g. fly
fly ash).
ash).
TCLP,
TCLP, SPLP,
SPLP, mSPLP
mSPLP (ON), (ON), MLEP
MLEP (BC),
(BC), Corrosivity,
Corrosivity, Flashpoint+Paint
Flashpoint+Paint Filter:
Filter: 11 xx 250
250 mL mL
glass
glass jar
jar per
per test
test or or test
test group
group (includes
(includes leachate
leachate VOCs/ZHE)
VOCs/ZHE) + + extra
extra 250
250 mL mL jar jar ifif
dioxins
dioxins by
by TCLP
TCLP is is required.
required.
BC
BC LSP
LSP (Liquid-Solid
(Liquid-Solid Partitioning):
Partitioning): 22 xx 500
500 mL mL glass
glass jar
jar (Metals/SVOCs),
(Metals/SVOCs), 11 xx 250 250 mL mL
glass
glass jar,
jar, zero
zero headspace
headspace (VOCs).(VOCs).
SAR/Salinity
SAR/Salinity (sat.
(sat. paste):
paste): 11 LL ALS
ALS ldpe
ldpe bag
bag (may
(may include
include metals).
metals).
Particle
Particle Size:
Size: 11 xx 250
250 mL mL glass
glass jar
jar (typical soils), or
(typical soils), or 11 LL ALS
ALS ldpe
ldpe bag
bag (coarse
(coarse materials),
materials),
or
or from
from SAR/Salinity
SAR/Salinity soil soil bag.
bag.
Asbestos:
Asbestos: Double-bag
Double-bag bulk bulk material/soil
material/soil in in 11 LL ALS
ALS ldpe
ldpe bags.
bags. Label
Label with
with "may
"may contain
contain
asbestos".
asbestos". Concrete/asphalt
Concrete/asphalt samples samples must
must be be submitted
submitted as as pieces
pieces <25
<25 mmmm in in
diameter.
diameter.

PRESERVATION
Nil
Nil
Chill
Chill to
to ≤10°C
≤10°C
Cr(VI)
Cr(VI) must
must be
be stored
stored in
in the
the dark
dark (ON).
(ON).

TEST PARAMETER(S)
All
All parameters
parameters except
except volatiles,
volatiles, PFAS,
PFAS, organotins
organotins
NOTES
For
For Flashpoint,
Flashpoint, Sulfide
Sulfide (AVS),
(AVS), Leachate
Leachate VOCs
VOCs (TCLP/SPLP/MLEP/BC
(TCLP/SPLP/MLEP/BC LSP),
LSP), and
and
Tetraethyl
Tetraethyl lead,
lead, fill
fill with
with zero
zero headspace.
headspace.
RBCA
RBCA TPH
TPH requires
requires soil
soil jar
jar and
and VOC
VOC containers
containers (methanol).
(methanol).
Submit
Submit samples
samples forfor nutrient
nutrient testing
testing to
to the
the lab
lab immediately.
immediately.

HOLDING TIME
Cl,
Cl, Cr(VI),
Cr(VI), EC,
EC, pH,
pH, PSA
PSA –– 30
30 days
days (CCME);
(CCME); SVOCs,
SVOCs, EPHEPH (BC
(BC and
and RBCA),
RBCA), LEPH/HEPH,
LEPH/HEPH,
Nutrients
Nutrients (NO3,
(NO3, NO2,
NO2, NH3)
NH3) –– 33 days;
days; F2-F4,
F2-F4, Glycols,
Glycols, PAHs,
PAHs, OCPs,
OCPs, OPPs,
OPPs, CPs,
CPs,
Cyanide,
Cyanide, Sulfide
Sulfide (AVS)
(AVS) -- 14
14 days;
days;
Metals
Metals –– 180
180 days;
days;
SVOCs,
SVOCs, CPs,
CPs, OCPs,
OCPs, OPPs,
OPPs, PAHs
PAHs -- 60
60
Mercury,
Mercury, Methyl
Methyl Mercury,
Mercury, TN,
TN, TOC/FOC
TOC/FOC days
days (ON);
(ON);
–– 28
28 days;
days; pH,
pH, N,
N, P,
P, K+S,
K+S, TOC/FOC
TOC/FOC -- unlimited
unlimited ifif dried;
dried;
Dioxins,
Dioxins, PCBs,
PCBs, PBBs,
PBBs, PBDEs,
PBDEs, Chlorinated
Chlorinated BC
BC LSP
LSP test
test -- VOCs
VOCs 48 48 hours,
hours, SVOCs
SVOCs 14 14
Paraffins
Paraffins -- 11 year;
year; days,
days, Metals/pH/ORP
Metals/pH/ORP 180 180 days;
days;
Asbestos
Asbestos (bulk
(bulk materials)
materials) -- unlimited;
unlimited; Flashpoint
Flashpoint -- 77 days;
days;
Tetraethyl
Tetraethyl lead
lead -- 14
14 days.
days.

ORANGE
 AIR AIR AIR

AMBIENT/ INDUSTRIAL
DUSTFALLS
INDOOR AIR HYGIENE
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
Primarily 6 L Canisters 2L hdpe Filters, Tubes, Pre-Treated
Sampling times: 1, 4, 8, 12, Cr(VI) Filters
24 hours TWA

PRESERVATION
PRESERVATION PRESERVATION Nil
Nil Isopropanol or algaecide Chill to ≤10°C,
Chill to ≤10°C method-dependent;
Cr(VI) Freeze to ≤-18°C

TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)

VOCs (60+ compounds Dustfalls - All tests PAH, PCBs, VOCs,
TO15), F1-F2, Aliphatic/ Dioxins, Aldehydes/
Aromatic Fractionation, Formaldehyde, Metals,
BTEX+Naphthalene, C1-C5 Isocyanates, Asbestos
Hydrocarbons, Fixed Filters, Particulates, Metals,
Gases, Reduced Sulfur Mercury, Cr(VI) Ambient
Compounds, Chlorinated Air Filters
Degradation Compounds
NOTES NOTES NOTES
Canisters should not Use isopropanol (if Shipping and storage
be held >30 days prior sampling below freezing temperatures are
to sampling. Check point) or algaecide (if dependent on the test and
Canister pressure before sampling above freezing method required. Contact
deployment. point). the lab for specific
guidance.
1 L or 1.4 L Canisters may
be used for sampling
events ≤ 60 mins.

HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME

VOCs including BTEX Metals, particulates - 6 PAHs/Aldehydes/
(TO15), F1-F2 – 30 days months; Formaldehyde – 14 days;
Reduced Sulfur Mercury - 28 days. Asbestos/Particulates –
Compounds – 7 days unlimited;
Fixed Gases – 30 days Isocyanate filters – 15
(Canisters), 3 days (Tedlar days;
bag). Confirm Tedlar bag Dioxins/ PCBs – 7 days;
samples with lab before Metals – 180 days;
submission. Mercury – 28 days;
Cr(VI) – 10 days.

NAVY BLUE NAVY BLUE NAVY BLUE

 AIR AIR AIR

SOIL VAPOUR STACK &

SOIL VAPOUR (THERMAL STATIONARY
(THERMAL
(CANISTERS)
DESORPTION) SOURCE TESTING
SAMPLE CONTAINER
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
SAMPLE CONTAINER SAMPLE CONTAINER
SAMPLE CONTAINER
Primarily 1.4
Primarily 1.4 LL Canisters
Canisters Thermal desorption
Thermal desorption tube
tube PUF, Impingers,
PUF, Impingers, Filters,
Filters,
Sampling times:
Sampling times: 4,
4, 10,
10, 20,
20, XAD Traps
XAD Traps
60 mins
60 mins

PRESERVATION
PRESERVATION PRESERVATION
PRESERVATION PRESERVATION
PRESERVATION
Nil
Nil Nil
Nil Nil
Nil
Chill to
Chill to ≤10°C
≤10°C Chill to
Chill to ≤10°C,
≤10°C,
method-dependent
method-dependent
TEST PARAMETER(S)
TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)
TEST PARAMETER(S) TEST PARAMETER(S)
TEST PARAMETER(S)
VOCs (60+
VOCs (60+ compounds
compounds BTEX/VOCs, F1,
BTEX/VOCs, F1, VHv/
VHv/ PAHs, PCBs,
PAHs, PCBs, Dioxins,
Dioxins,
TO15), F1-F2, Aliphatic/
TO15), F1-F2, Aliphatic/ VPHv, Dry Cleaning
VPHv, Dry Cleaning Aldehydes, Isocyanates,
Aldehydes, Isocyanates,
Aromatic Fractionation,
Aromatic Fractionation, Solvents, Fuels
Solvents, Fuels Particulates, Hexavalent
Particulates, Hexavalent
BTEX+Naphthalene, C1-C5
BTEX+Naphthalene, C1-C5 Chromium, Metals,
Chromium, Metals,
Hydrocarbons, Fixed
Hydrocarbons, Fixed Mercury, VOCs
Mercury, VOCs
Gases, Reduced
Gases, Reduced Sulfur
Sulfur
Compounds
Compounds

NOTES
NOTES NOTES
NOTES NOTES
NOTES
Canisters should
Canisters should not
not be
be BC CSR
BC CSR recommended
recommended Shipping and
and storage
storage
Shipping
held >30
held >30 days
days prior
prior to
to sampling: 55 mins
sampling: mins @
@ 100
100 temperatures areare
sampling. mL/min (500
(500 mL)
mL) with
with temperatures
sampling. mL/min dependent on the test
test
calibrated pump
pump dependent on the
Check Canister
Check Canister pressure
pressure calibrated
and method required.
and method required.
before deployment.
before deployment. Contact the
Contact the lab
lab for
for specific
specific
Contact ALS
Contact ALS for
for safe
safe recommendations.
recommendations.
sampling volumes
sampling volumes byby
compound for
compound for higher
higher
volumes.
volumes.

HOLDING TIME
HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME
HOLDING TIME HOLDING TIME
HOLDING TIME
VOCs including
VOCs including BTEX
BTEX 30 days.
30 days. PAHs/VOCs (VOST),
PAHs/VOCs (VOST),
(TO15), F1-F2 – 30 days
(TO15), F1-F2 – 30 days Aldehydes/Formaldehyde
Aldehydes/Formaldehyde
Reduced Sulfur
Reduced Sulfur –– 14
14 days;
days;
Compounds –– 77 days.
Compounds days. Dioxins/PCBs –– 77 days
Dioxins/PCBs days to
to
1 year;
1 year;
Cr(VI) –– 30
Cr(VI) 30 days;
days;
Metals –– 180
Metals 180 days;
days;
Mercury – 28 days;
Mercury – 28 days;
Isocyanate Impingers
Isocyanate Impingers –– 30
30
days.
days.

NAVY BLUE NAVY BLUE NAVY BLUE

 Locations TOLL FREE 1-800-668-9878
Vancouver 604-253-4188 8081 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby, BC. V5A 1W9
British Columbia / Yukon

Fort St. John 250-261-5517 11007 Alaska Road , Fort St. John, BC. V1J 6P3

Kamloops 250-372-3588 2B-1445 McGill Rd, Kamloops, BC. V2C 6K7

Victoria 250-415-9556 550-2950 Douglas St, Victoria, BC. V8T 4N4

Terrace 250-615-7089 Unit 103, 4910 Greig Avenue, Terrace BC. V8G 1N4

Whitehorse 867-668-6689 12-151 Industrial Rd, Whitehorse, YT. Y1A 2V3

Calgary 403-407-1800 2559-29 St NE, Calgary, AB. T1Y 7B5

Prairies / NWT

Edmonton 780-413-5227 9450-17 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB. T6N 1M9

Fort McMurray 780-791-1524 Bay 4, 340 MacAlpine Crescent, Fort McMurray,

AB. T9H 4A8
Grande Prairie 780-539-5196 9505-111 St, Grande Prairie, AB. T8V 5W1

Saskatoon 306-668-8370 819-58 St East, Saskatoon, SK. S7K 6X5

Regina 306-525-0970 1119 Osler St, Regina SK. S4R 8R4

Winnipeg 204-255-9720 Unit 12, 1329 Niakwa Rd East, Winnipeg, MB.

R2J 3T4
Yellowknife 867-873-5593 116-314 Old Airport Rd, Yellowknife, NT. X1A 3T3

Waterloo 519-886-6910 Unit 1, 60 Northland Rd, Waterloo, ON. N2V 2B8

Ontario

Burlington 905-331-3111 Unit 1, 1435 Norjohn Ct, Burlington, ON. L7L 0E6

Thunder Bay 807-623-6463 1081 Barton St, Thunder Bay, ON. P7B 5N3

London 519-652-6044 Unit 29, 309 Exeter Rd, London, ON. N6L 1C1

Markham 905 881 9887 Unit 9, 20 Amber St, Markham, ON. L3R 5P4

Mississauga 905-507-6910 Unit 30, 5730 Coopers Ave, Mississauga, ON.

L4Z 2E9
Ottawa 613-225-8279 Unit 7, 190 Colonnade Rd, Nepean, ON. K2E 7J5

Sudbury 705-560-7225 Unit 1, 1351-B Kelly Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON. P3E 5P5

Halifax 902-707-4888 13-100 Wright Ave, Dartmouth, NS. B2B 1L3

Maritimes

Fredericton 506-497-6463 17-900 Hanwell Rd, Fredericton, NB. E3B 6A2