Metal-free sampling methods for dust, rainwater, surface water, plants, and sediments: A selection of unique tools from the SWAMP laboratory

Abstract

Contamination control remains one of the greatest challenges for the reliable determination of many trace elements in environmental samples. Here we describe a series of metal-free sampling devices and tools designed and constructed specifically to minimize the risk of contamination by trace elements during sampling of dust, rainwater, surface water, plants, and sediments. Plastic components fabricated using 3-D printing include polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) and PC with carbon fibre. When additional strength is needed (e.g. supporting structural components), carbon fibre, aluminum (Al), or 316 stainless steel (SS) is used. Other plastics employed include acrylic and vinyl. Epoxy glue or SS may be used for joining components, but do not come into contact with the samples. Ceramic (zirconium dioxide) cutting blades are used where needed. Each plastic material was evaluated for contaminant trace elements by leaching with high purity nitric acid in the metal-free, ultraclean SWAMP laboratory. The devices were tested in the field to evaluate their performance and durability. When combined with appropriate cleaning procedures, the equipment enables ultraclean collection for trace element analysis of environmental media.•Plastic sampling devices were designed and constructed using 3D printing of PLA, PET, PETG or PP.•Leaching characteristics of plastic components were evaluated using high purity nitric acid in a metal-free, ultraclean laboratory.•Each sampling device was successfully field-tested in industrial settings (near open pit bitumen mines and upgraders), and in remote locations of northern Alberta, Canada.