Incremental Sampling

Incremental sampling (IS) or incremental sampling methodology (ISM) is a sampling technique used to create a representative, homogeneous aliquot for lab analysis. It is typically a collection of replicate samples in the field (3 or more) to provide an estimate of total variability. Incremental sampling, sometimes called multi-incremental sampling, is intended to provide a more reliable estimate of the average concentration of a given analyte, especially useful for applications where the consistency of the sample area is in question and may be prone to a high sampling error.

ALS - Columbia provides analytical techniques that support incremental sampling. Call to speak to a project chemist and learn more about how our lab can help you in incremental sampling.

Advantages of Incremental Sampling

• Normalizes data distribution
• Minimizes sampling and subsampling errors from non-uniform sample compositions
• Reduces analytical testing costs (compared to requiring many discrete samples)

Incremental Sampling Design

• The sample mass should be 1kg or more in order to overcome compositional heterogeneity
• 30 grabs is the minimum number of increments necessary to overcome distributional heterogeneity within the decision unit
• ISM can be used to sample an area as small as 1 x 1 meter or as large as 100 x 100 meters

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