SKC 520-02A Inorganic Mercury Passive Sampler - Manual (Page 2)

Preparing the Sampler
For Sampling
1. Remove the back cap from the housing with a screwdriver or a coin.
2. Remove a sorbent capsule from the plastic vial, and place it in the housing
with the mesh side facing the diff usive barrier.
Keep the plastic vial with remaining sorbent capsules in a safe place free from mercury
contamination.
3. Ensure the back cap contains a foam disk. Press the back cap onto the housing.
4. Record I.D., date, and start time on a provided I.D. label (included with
replacement sorbent capsules), and place it on the sampler’s back cap. Note
any other pertinent sampling information.
5. Using the clip, att ach to clothing of individual near breathing zone or place in
desired location for area sampling.
6. To begin sampling, remove protective cap. Retain the cap in a safe place free
from contamination. Recommended sampling time is four to eight hours.
7. When sampling period is complete, replace protective cap and record fi nish
time on I.D. label. Note any other pertinent sampling information.
Avoid excessive agitation of the sampler.
For Analysis
1. As soon as possible aft er sampling, take the sampler to a clean area. Remove
sorbent capsule by pulling off the back cap. Remove foam disk from back cap
and dispose properly.
2. Place the sorbent capsule in the provided ziploc bag. Remove the I.D. label
from the sampler’s back cap and adhere to the ziploc bag.
3. Mail or transport the sorbent capsule and at least one fi eld blank to a
qualifi ed laboratory for analysis. The sorbent should be analyzed within
30 days of sampling.
Store sample away from sources of contamination.
For Cleaning
1. Unsnap and remove the collar clip. Clean with soap or detergent and water.
2. Disassemble the sampler and place all parts (except foam disk, sorbent
capsule, and collar clip) in a container. Wash in a dilute solution of nitric acid
(approximately 15%) in distilled water.
3. Rinse parts three times in separate rinses of distilled water.
4. Dry as quickly as possible.
5. Re-assemble sampler housing for storage, without the sorbent capsule or
foam disk (see Figure 1).
6. Store in a clean area where the sampler will not become contaminated with
mercury until ready to use again.
• Always use a sorbent capsule within a few days of removing it from the plastic vial and placing
it in the housing; the protective cap does not provide a hermetic seal.
• When inserting a replacement sorbent capsule, ensure that the two mesh disks are in place
within the housing. These disks must be kept in place at all times to ensure reproducible
sampling rates under all environmental conditions.
• Do not store any parts of the sampler in areas where they may become contaminated with
mercury.
• Store the exposed sorbent capsule in the provided ziploc bag aft er the sampling period.
• Always clean the housing before reusing to guard against accidental carry-over from previous
sampling.
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