1. Estuarine/Coastal Sampling Campaigns

• Site Selection: Identification of sampling locations based on specific environmental variables or the presence of known pollutants.
• Field Equipment Setup: Use specialized tools such as water samplers (e.g., Niskin bottles), sediment corers, and nets for biological sampling.
• Water Sampling: Collection of surface and subsurface water to analyse contaminants like heavy metals, microplastics, or nutrients.
• Sediment Sampling: Using sediment cores to extract bottom layers for chemical and biological evaluation.
• Biological Sampling: Collection of bioindicator species (e.g., fish, shellfish, algae) that accumulate hazardous substances, allowing assessment of ecological health.
• Data Logging: Recording environmental parameters like water temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen levels in situ.

2. Sample Processing

• Filtration and Preservation: Water samples may be filtered to separate suspended particles and preserved using acids or refrigeration for later chemical analysis.
• Homogenization: Sediment samples are mixed to ensure uniformity before analysis, and larger biological samples are prepared (e.g., dissected, frozen).
• Drying and Sieving: Sediment samples are often dried and sieved to separate particles by size, allowing for targeted chemical tests.
• Biomass Preparation: Tissues from bioindicator species are extracted and prepared for analysis of contaminant levels (e.g., heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants).
• Labeling and Storage: Proper labeling, documentation, and storage of all processed samples to maintain traceability and integrity for future laboratory testing.

3. Chemical Analysis

• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Highly sensitive for detecting trace elements, including rare earth elements and heavy metals.
• Quality Control: Regular use of blanks, duplicates, and calibration standards to ensure the accuracy and precision of measurements.