Water Sampling Techniques Course
This course gives you the essential tools to obtain representative, reliable water samples. You will master the most widely used sampling methods for rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters, learn to minimize contamination, choose the right materials and apply preservation and transport protocols that protect the integrity of your samples. It is ideal for environmental professionals, laboratory technicians and students who want a solid basis in water quality analysis.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Water Sampling Techniques Course?
This short course teaches you to plan and carry out water sampling campaigns whose results you can trust. You will study the hydrological cycle and the importance of representativeness, the design of monitoring networks in rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters, sampling objectives and frequency in relation to seasons and tides, and the sampling plan itself; grab, composite and time-integrated samples, the choice and cleaning of containers, chemical preservation in the field and the cold chain; field instruments for pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, redox potential and flow; collection techniques from the shore, with Niskin, Van Dorn or Kemmerer bottles, from the surface microlayer, with automatic samplers and from boats; and quality control, chain of custody and traceability.
What sets this course apart: a practical approach with simulation exercises and real case studies; standardized protocols based on national and international references such as ISO and EPA methods; a clear view of the equipment and devices used in the field; a strong focus on identifying and controlling sources of error, from cross-contamination to systematic bias; and attention to the full traceability of each sample, from the sampling point to its arrival at the laboratory.
Program highlights
- Sampling plans: monitoring networks, objectives, frequency, seasons, tides and field safety.
- Sample types and containers: grab, composite and integrated samples, materials and cleaning.
- Preservation and cold chain to keep each parameter stable until it reaches the laboratory.
- In situ measurements: multiparameter probes, Secchi disc, turbidity, redox, flow and residual chlorine.
- Surface and marine sampling: Niskin, Van Dorn and Kemmerer bottles, surface microlayer and boats.
- Quality assurance: field blanks, duplicates, chain of custody, labeling and waste management.
Syllabus of the Water Sampling Techniques Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Foundations of hydrology and strategic planning of water sampling
- 1.1. Introduction to hydrological cycles and the importance of representativeness when sampling environmental water
- 1.2. Design of monitoring networks: criteria for choosing sampling points in rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters
- 1.3. Defining the sampling objectives: operational surveillance, investigation of accidental discharges or regulatory compliance
- 1.4. Setting the frequency and timing of sampling according to seasonal variability and tidal cycles
- 1.5. Preparing the sampling plan: logistics, allocation of staff and safety protocols in the field
Types of sample, containers and chemical stabilization procedures
- 2.1. Technical differences between grab samples, composite samples and time-integrated sampling
- 2.2. Criteria for choosing containers: high-density polyethylene, borosilicate glass or PTFE depending on the analyte
- 2.3. Cleaning and decontamination of containers to avoid cross-contamination in trace metal or organic analysis
- 2.4. In situ preservation techniques: adding chemical reagents (acids, bases or biocides) to stabilize the parameters
- 2.5. Cold chain management: refrigeration and transport protocols to protect the thermal integrity of the samples
Field instruments and in situ measurement of physico-chemical parameters
- 3.1. Calibration and preventive maintenance of multiparameter probes for measuring pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen
- 3.2. Techniques for measuring water transparency and turbidity with the Secchi disc and portable turbidimeters
- 3.3. Measuring temperature and redox potential (ORP) as indicators of biological and chemical activity in the water
- 3.4. Use of equipment to measure flow and velocity profiles in surface water courses and discharges
- 3.5. Procedures for detecting residual chlorine, ammonium and other volatile parameters that need immediate analysis
Specific collection techniques in surface and marine waters
- 4.1. Manual sampling from the shore and direct immersion techniques that avoid the surface layer of the water
- 4.2. Use of depth sampling bottles (Niskin, Van Dorn or Kemmerer) to obtain samples from different layers of the water column
- 4.3. Sampling the surface microlayer and its importance for detecting hydrocarbons and floating pollutants
- 4.4. Operation of automatic samplers and pumping systems for continuous water quality monitoring at fixed stations
- 4.5. Sampling protocols on boats: GPS positioning and maneuvers that avoid interference from the hull or engines
Quality assurance, traceability and documentation management
- 5.1. Field quality controls: trip blanks, equipment blanks and blind duplicate samples
- 5.2. Chain of custody management: documenting the path of the sample from its point of origin to its receipt at the laboratory
- 5.3. Sampling records and coded labeling to guarantee full traceability of the information collected
- 5.4. Validation of the sampling process: internal audits and detection of possible sources of systematic or random error
- 5.5. Management of waste generated during sampling: leftover reagents and contaminated disposable materials
Duration and format of the Water Sampling Techniques Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Water Sampling Techniques Course
Career opportunities after the Water Sampling Techniques Course
Questions about the Water Sampling Techniques Course
In simple random sampling every unit has the same chance of being selected. In stratified sampling the population is first divided into strata with shared features, such as depth or zone, and a random sample is taken from each one.
A composite sample combines several individual samples taken at different times or places into one representative sample, while a grab sample is collected at a single time and place and shows the conditions at that moment.
Rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal and marine waters, including sampling from the shore, at depth with sampling bottles, from the surface microlayer and from boats.
Many parameters change within hours. The right container, chemical preservation and cold chain keep the sample stable so that the laboratory result reflects the water you actually sampled.
Yes. The last module covers field blanks, duplicates, sampling records, coded labeling, chain of custody, internal audits and the management of sampling waste.
The protocols follow widely used national and international references, such as ISO standards and EPA methods, which you will learn to apply to your own sampling plans.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7 with downloadable material and discussion forums, plus live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Climate and oceanography
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at laboratory technicians, environmental consultants, engineers and managers of water treatment plants, students and recent graduates in environmental sciences, chemistry or biology, and professionals in agriculture and agro-industry who assess water for irrigation or livestock; a background in environmental sciences, chemistry, biology or environmental engineering, laboratory training or experience in water sampling is helpful, together with basic knowledge of water chemistry and microbiology.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and software to view PDF documents.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.