Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

A single sample of water collected at a specific time and place is known as what type of sample?

1. Composite sample

2. Grab sample

3. Integrated sample

4. Routine sample

The correct answer is: Grab sample

A single sample of water collected at a specific time and place is referred to as a grab sample. This type of sampling is done to obtain immediate and representative data about the quality of the water at that particular moment. Grab samples are typically used for measurements that can fluctuate quickly with changes in conditions, such as pollutant levels after rainfall or changes in usage patterns. In contrast, composite samples consist of multiple samples collected at different times and locations, blended to provide an overall representation. Integrated samples capture variations over time or across different locations to characterize the water quality more comprehensively. Routine samples are collected according to a schedule but may not specifically represent a single time-point measurement. The defining characteristic of a grab sample is its focus on a specific moment, making it essential for immediate assessments of water quality.