SIST ISO 5667-12:2018

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 5667-12
Second edition
2017-07
Water quality — Sampling —
Part 12:
Guidance on sampling of bottom
sediments from rivers, lakes and
estuarine areas
Qualité de l’eau — Échantillonnage —
Partie 12: Recommandations concernant l’échantillonnage des
sédiments dans les rivières, les lacs et les estuaires
Reference number
ISO 5667-12:2017(E)
©
ISO 2017

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ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2017, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. +41 22 749 01 11
Fax +41 22 749 09 47
copyright@iso.org
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

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ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Sampling strategy . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Type of investigation . 3
4.2.1 General. 3
4.2.2 Chemical investigation . 3
4.2.3 Physical investigation . 3
4.2.4 Biological and microbiological investigation . 4
4.3 Choice of sampling site . 4
4.4 Choice of sampling point . 4
4.5 Choice of sampling method . 5
4.5.1 General. 5
4.5.2 Consolidated bottom sediment . 5
4.5.3 Unconsolidated bottom sediment . 6
4.6 Frequency and time of sampling . 6
4.7 Site conditions . 6
4.7.1 General. 6
4.7.2 Meteorological and climatic conditions . 6
4.7.3 Hydrological conditions . 7
5 Sampling equipment . 8
5.1 General . 8
5.2 Grab systems . 8
5.3 Corer systems .10
6 Sampling procedure .13
6.1 Sampling container materials and types .13
6.2 Composite samples.13
7 Storage, transport and stabilization of samples .14
8 Safety .15
9 Sample identification and records .15
Annex A (informative) Description of the scissor-grab system (van Veen type) .17
Annex B (informative) Description of the piston drill system .19
Annex C (informative) Description of the corer system involving a diver .21
Annex D (informative) Description of the Beeker sampler system .22
Annex E (informative) Description of the sealed core sampler system .25
Annex F (informative) Description of the wedge core or Vrijwit drill system .27
Annex G (informative) Description of the gravity corer system .29
Annex H (informative) Description of the Jenkins mud sampler system .31
Annex I (informative) Description of the Craib corer system .33
Annex J (informative) Description of a piston corer .35
Annex K (informative) Description of peat borers .38
Annex L (informative) Freeze coring .40
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ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

Annex M (informative) Description of sediment sampler with slicing mechanism .44
Bibliography .46
iv © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

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ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following
URL: w w w . i s o .org/ iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 147, Water quality, Subcommittee SC 6,
Sampling (general methods).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 5667-12:1995), which has been technically
revised.
A list of all parts in the ISO 5667 series can be found on the ISO website.
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ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

Introduction
This document should be read in conjunction with ISO 5667-1 and ISO 5667-15.
The general terminology used is in accordance with the various parts of ISO 6107, and more particularly,
with the terminology on sampling given in ISO 6107-2.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 5667-12:2017(E)
Water quality — Sampling —
Part 12:
Guidance on sampling of bottom sediments from rivers,
lakes and estuarine areas
1 Scope
This document provides guidance on the sampling of unconsolidated sediments for the determination
of their geological, physical and chemical properties, as well as the determination of biological,
microbiological and chemical properties at the water and sediment interface. Guidance on achieving
sediment cores is given specifically for the measurement of rates of deposition and detailed strata
delineation. The main emphasis of this document is to provide methods that achieve sediment samples.
The environments considered are
— limnic (rivers, streams and lakes, natural and man-made), and
— estuarine, including harbours.
Industrial and sewage works for sludges, paleolimnological sampling and sampling of open ocean
sediments are specifically excluded from this document (and are addressed in ISO 5667-15), although
some techniques may apply to these situations. Sampling of suspended solids is outside the scope of
this document and reference can be made to ISO 5667-17 for such guidance.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5667-1, Water quality — Sampling — Part 1: Guidance on the design of sampling programmes and
sampling techniques
ISO 5667-15, Water quality — Sampling — Part 15: Guidance on the preservation and handling of sludge
and sediment samples
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http:// www .iso .org/ obp
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved 1

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ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

3.1
composite sample
two or more samples or subsamples mixed together in appropriate known proportions, from which the
average result of a designed characteristic may be obtained
Note 1 to entry: The individual portions may be derived from the same unit (stratum) or at the same sediment
depth below a certain interface. The use of subsamples from the same stratum is limited to situations where a
natural mixing of strata is unlikely to have occurred or where the depth of the sediment stratum is sufficient to
allow subsampling without artificial mixing during sample operations. Therefore, subsampling from different
strata is allowed in relation to the objective of the investigation.
3.2
pile-working core compression
blockage
phenomenon which occurs when the sample rising up the inside of a piston corer meets a resistance
due to its own friction, a blockage by a large piece of stone, or the tube being full
3.3
descriptive mapping
description of the sediment (3.5) present in terms of its nature, variation and extent
Note 1 to entry: The exercise is carried out by precise marking of sample location and general recording of site
conditions. Pre-established conditions may be a requirement of the exercise.
3.4
monitoring
establishment of variation of the sediment (3.5) characteristics with time and location
3.5
sediment
solid material, both mineral and organic, deposited in the bottom of a water body
3.6
sediment quality
chemical nature, as well as the physical properties of the sediment (3.5) being sampled, e.g. in relation
to assessment of harbour sediment due to be dredged to determine disposal process
3.7
sampling site
sampling station
well-delimited area, where sampling operations take place
3.8
sampling point
precise position within a sampling site (3.7) from which samples are taken
3.9
uncertainty arising from sampling
part of the total uncertainty of a measured value attributable to sampling
3.10
unconsolidated sediments
sediments (3.5) that are loose so that individual particles are able to move easily relative to each other
2 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

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ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

4 Sampling strategy
4.1 General
Sampling of sediments from estuarine and inland water bodies can be completed to address the
following:
— temporal and spatial monitoring of the environment;
— as part of environmental impact assessment informing future construction developments (e.g.
increasing of harbour depth so that vessels can access harbours, and installation of renewable
energy applications such as wind farms);
— sediment distribution mapping of an area to enable, for example, sediment transport or intrusion of
fine inorganic particles and organic material to be determined;
— examining the sediment quality (physical and chemical) so, for example, sediment disposal method
can be determined prior to dredging of harbours or rivers;
— spatial and temporal patterns of sediment-dwelling organisms;
— fundamental research.
4.2 Type of investigation
4.2.1 General
The sampling strategy will vary depending on the aims of the work being completed. Three common
types of investigation can be distinguished:
a) chemical investigation;
b) physical investigation;
c) biological and microbiological investigation.
4.2.2 Chemical investigation
In this type of investigation, the nature and amounts of the substances which are bound to the sediment
or are associated with pore water may be determined. Some chemical species become bonded in
preference to small mineral particles and organic matter while some are incorporated in residual pore
water. It should be noted that where the sampling device is made of metal then abrasion and chemical
action, for example from sulfides and phosphates, may lead to specific contamination. In cases where
sample equipment made from plastics are used, chemical residues may leach from the material into
the sample, for example dispersants, or chemicals from the sediment may adsorb into the plastics.
Quality control measures should be undertaken in full consultation with the receiving laboratory in
order to establish the degree of influence of such effects on the survey results. Some study parameters
(e.g. sulfides) may require to be maintained in an oxygen-free atmosphere. In such circumstances,
storage and handling under an inert gas atmosphere may be needed. If it is necessary to maintain
anaerobic conditions while handling samples, tools such as a glove box should be used. For samples
whose measurements can be affected by exposure to oxygen, analysis should be performed as quickly
as possible.
4.2.3 Physical investigation
In this type of investigation, the structure, texture, particle size and layer formation of the sediment
bed are determined and the strata delineation is important for geographical, morphological and, in
some cases, geotechnical investigations.
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ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

4.2.4 Biological and microbiological investigation
A biological investigation generally involves classifying the species and numbers of flora and/or fauna
present on and in the sediment bed. In many cases, sampling is carried out in the habitat layer, with most
species present in the top 10 cm. However, this might extend to several decimetres. For specific details
regarding biological investigations, references should be made to specific ISO standards already in
existence or under development, including ISO 16665 for methods involving quantitative sampling and
sample processing of marine sub-bottom macrofauna and ISO 10870 for selection of sampling methods
and devices for benthic macroinvertebrates in fresh waters. In some cases, microbial processes may also
be of interest, such as denitrification, phosphate release, methylation of metals such as mercury or tin.
4.3 Choice of sampling site
In choosing the exact point from which samples are required, two aspects are generally involved:
a) the selection of the sampling site (e.g. the location of the sampling cross-section on the base of the
seabed);
b) the identification of the precise point at the sampling site.
The purpose of sampling is often at a precisely defined sampling site (as is the case when studying
deposition from a particular discharge point), but sometimes the purpose is only to lead to a general
definition of the sampling site as in the characterization of the quality and type of material.
The choice of sampling sites for a single sampling station is usually relatively easy. For example,
a monitoring station for a baseline record of sediment quality may be chosen to permit the use of a
convenient bridge or to allow an upstream effluent discharge or tributary to be well mixed laterally
before the station.
Remote sensing methods, such as use of echosounders, including multibeam, or side scan sonars, should
be considered to assist in checking sediment bed status for rock, or other obstacles such as protected
wrecks and unexploded ordnance, prior to sampling. Refer to EN 16260 for advice regarding completion
of visual seabed surveys using remotely operated and/or towed observation gear for collection of
environmental data.
To establish locations for sediment sampling, and to register the exact sampling point locations, it is
recommended to use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
The criteria for sample site choice can include:
— the presence of good sedimentation conditions (e.g. reduced flow rate);
— ease of repeated access to the location, for example a tidal influence;
— seasonal accessibility;
— the influence of marine traffic;
— heterogeneity of the stream bed (roughness, particle size, etc.) across a river transect or within an
area of interest.
4.4 Choice of sampling point
This will be influenced by physical constraints such as boat size or water depth but the precise point
will largely depend upon the purpose of the investigation. For example, if descriptive sediment mapping
is the sole purpose then choice may be the function of flow and current conditions only, whereas if
chemical contamination is being studied, the sampling point will depend largely on the conditions
present at the sediment bed.
NOTE For instance, it would not be expected to find contamination caused by anthropogenic metal inputs in
a riffle area of a stream compared with a pool area.
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ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

Consideration of local conditions and features in the monitoring of harbours, such as proximity to
outfalls, the influence of stream mixing and other factors such as plant growth, may be important.
Further guidance is given in 4.7 and ISO 5667-1.
The choice of sampling point will be a desirable pre-qualification for the programme, but exact locations
will inevitably be revised in the field. The number of sampling points required needs to be statistically
representative relevant to address the purpose of the investigation. In rivers and estuaries, it needs to
be considered that the sediments are turned over in several deposition and re-suspension cycles. Thus,
the sediment layers may not be representative for historical deposition scenarios. In this case, age
determination by radiological or limnological analysis is recommended. Statistical guidance is given in
ISO 5667-1. Composite samples may be produced to reduce analysis costs and assist deriving average
regional concentrations as indicated in 6.2. Because of the often patchy distribution of organisms, for
biological samples, it could be necessary to choose multiple random sample sites or to conduct stratified
[23]
random sampling .
4.5 Choice of sampling method
4.5.1 General
The choice of sampling method will largely be restricted by the two following factors:
a) the requirement for a largely undisturbed sample for delineation and the preservation of water and
sediment interface (further details are given in Clause 5);
b) the acceptance of a disturbed sample taken near the bed surface for a general morphological or
chemical examination.
Certain types of chemical parameter may necessitate the use of inert liners in piston or tube type
recovery devices, for example polytetrafluoroethylene linings if low-level pesticides are being
examined. Reference should be made to ISO 5667-15 for guidance on the preservation and handling of
sediment samples.
The remaining factor affecting the choice of sampling method will be the applicability of the proposed
device to the sediment bed conditions. Ideally, consistent sampling methods are used throughout
the survey, although if sediment bed conditions vary within the area being sampled, this may not be
possible. Sampling regimes are summarized in Table 1. More detail about samplers is given in Clause 5.
Table 1 — Sediment type and recommended sampler
a
Sediment type Sampler
Gravel Grab systems; large particle size may require heavier grabs.
Sand Both grab and corer systems can be used. A sand bed can be hard to penetrate
and thus prove difficult for lightweight grabs and manually operated corer
systems. Grabs of larger mass and heavy mechanical corers may be required.
Clay It may be necessary to use a corer because grab systems often cannot
penetrate easily into the clay.
Mud Both grab and corer systems can be used but care should be taken to avoid
over penetration (see 4.5.3).
Peat A difficult medium to sample but it is sometimes possible to use a manually
operated corer system or a special peat borer.
a
Sampler type versus sediment type may have to be determined by experimentation.
4.5.2 Consolidated bottom sediment
For consolidated bottom sediment, both grab and corer systems can be used. If a grab is used, it may be
difficult to determine the penetration depth of the sampling.
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ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

4.5.3 Unconsolidated bottom sediment
For unconsolidated bottom sediment, grab systems are not suitable as they are prone to sinking through
the soft layer. Corer systems are better but, when a frame is used at greater depth, care is essential to
prevent the frame from sinking through the soft layer. More support can usually be given to prevent
this by adding large plates to the feet of the frame. Samplers which depend on the free-fall principle are
not suitable for this bed type.
4.6 Frequency and time of sampling
Results from a sampling programme need to provide data with an acceptable uncertainty defined in
the objectives of the programme. If the objectives do not include a definition of the tolerable error, a
statistically-based sampling programme is impossible. It should be remembered that changes with
time of sediment composition may require a much longer period of observation to detect than changes
observed for water. For example, diurnal variation in concentration of metals may be detected in
estuarine water but the respective sediments may only show fluctuation over a much longer sampling
period. When using systematic sampling, it is essential to ensure that the frequency of sampling does
not coincide with a natural cycle present in the system. In the case of sediments, this may be seasonal
variation, yet it should also be considered that flow extremes, especially flooding, result in bed transport
and altered sediment structure and lead to intrusion or washout of inorganic and organic fine material.
It may be necessary to increase the sampling frequency in order to observe any variation in some cases,
for example when monitoring pore water nutrients. The frequency of sediment sampling is only likely
to have a major influence on the interpretation of results when rapid deposition rates are expected,
for example weekly sampling of a river bed downstream of a discharge point is not likely to reveal
any data that is different from that demonstrated from sampling at half yearly intervals other than
the inherent variability of the sediment. The reasons for sampling are constrained by the needs of a
particular project which will themselves define the frequency of sampling. For details of the application
of statistics to sampling frequency, refer to ISO 5667-1.
4.7 Site conditions
4.7.1 General
Conditions at the sampling position are of vital importance to achieve correct sampling. A number of
these conditions will usually be known before sampling takes place and should be taken into account
when preparing the operation and also when choosing the apparatus to be employed.
The following conditions are important:
— meteorological and climatic (e.g. temperature, precipitation, solar radiation);
— hydrological (e.g. discharge, water depth, current, velocity);
— geological (e.g. characteristics/composition/stratification of sediments, erosion);
— nautical;
— biological (e.g. with
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018
01-junij-2018
.DNRYRVWYRGH9]RUþHQMHGHO1DYRGLOR]DY]RUþHQMHVHGLPHQWRY]GQDUHN
MH]HULQL]OLYQLKREPRþLMUHN
Water quality - Sampling - Part 12: Guidance on sampling of bottom sediments from
rivers, lakes and estuarine areas
Qualité de l'eau - Échantillonnage - Partie 12: Recommandations concernant
l'échantillonnage des sédiments dans les rivières, les lacs et les estuaires
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 5667-12:2017
ICS:
13.060.10 Voda iz naravnih virov Water of natural resources
13.060.45 Preiskava vode na splošno Examination of water in
general
oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018

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oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 5667-12
Second edition
2017-07
Water quality — Sampling —
Part 12:
Guidance on sampling of bottom
sediments from rivers, lakes and
estuarine areas
Qualité de l’eau — Échantillonnage —
Partie 12: Recommandations concernant l’échantillonnage des
sédiments dans les rivières, les lacs et les estuaires
Reference number
ISO 5667-12:2017(E)
©
ISO 2017

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oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018
ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2017, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. +41 22 749 01 11
Fax +41 22 749 09 47
copyright@iso.org
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018
ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Sampling strategy . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Type of investigation . 3
4.2.1 General. 3
4.2.2 Chemical investigation . 3
4.2.3 Physical investigation . 3
4.2.4 Biological and microbiological investigation . 4
4.3 Choice of sampling site . 4
4.4 Choice of sampling point . 4
4.5 Choice of sampling method . 5
4.5.1 General. 5
4.5.2 Consolidated bottom sediment . 5
4.5.3 Unconsolidated bottom sediment . 6
4.6 Frequency and time of sampling . 6
4.7 Site conditions . 6
4.7.1 General. 6
4.7.2 Meteorological and climatic conditions . 6
4.7.3 Hydrological conditions . 7
5 Sampling equipment . 8
5.1 General . 8
5.2 Grab systems . 8
5.3 Corer systems .10
6 Sampling procedure .13
6.1 Sampling container materials and types .13
6.2 Composite samples.13
7 Storage, transport and stabilization of samples .14
8 Safety .15
9 Sample identification and records .15
Annex A (informative) Description of the scissor-grab system (van Veen type) .17
Annex B (informative) Description of the piston drill system .19
Annex C (informative) Description of the corer system involving a diver .21
Annex D (informative) Description of the Beeker sampler system .22
Annex E (informative) Description of the sealed core sampler system .25
Annex F (informative) Description of the wedge core or Vrijwit drill system .27
Annex G (informative) Description of the gravity corer system .29
Annex H (informative) Description of the Jenkins mud sampler system .31
Annex I (informative) Description of the Craib corer system .33
Annex J (informative) Description of a piston corer .35
Annex K (informative) Description of peat borers .38
Annex L (informative) Freeze coring .40
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved iii

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oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018
ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

Annex M (informative) Description of sediment sampler with slicing mechanism .44
Bibliography .46
iv © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

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oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018
ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following
URL: w w w . i s o .org/ iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 147, Water quality, Subcommittee SC 6,
Sampling (general methods).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 5667-12:1995), which has been technically
revised.
A list of all parts in the ISO 5667 series can be found on the ISO website.
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved v

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oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018
ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

Introduction
This document should be read in conjunction with ISO 5667-1 and ISO 5667-15.
The general terminology used is in accordance with the various parts of ISO 6107, and more particularly,
with the terminology on sampling given in ISO 6107-2.
vi © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

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oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 5667-12:2017(E)
Water quality — Sampling —
Part 12:
Guidance on sampling of bottom sediments from rivers,
lakes and estuarine areas
1 Scope
This document provides guidance on the sampling of unconsolidated sediments for the determination
of their geological, physical and chemical properties, as well as the determination of biological,
microbiological and chemical properties at the water and sediment interface. Guidance on achieving
sediment cores is given specifically for the measurement of rates of deposition and detailed strata
delineation. The main emphasis of this document is to provide methods that achieve sediment samples.
The environments considered are
— limnic (rivers, streams and lakes, natural and man-made), and
— estuarine, including harbours.
Industrial and sewage works for sludges, paleolimnological sampling and sampling of open ocean
sediments are specifically excluded from this document (and are addressed in ISO 5667-15), although
some techniques may apply to these situations. Sampling of suspended solids is outside the scope of
this document and reference can be made to ISO 5667-17 for such guidance.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5667-1, Water quality — Sampling — Part 1: Guidance on the design of sampling programmes and
sampling techniques
ISO 5667-15, Water quality — Sampling — Part 15: Guidance on the preservation and handling of sludge
and sediment samples
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http:// www .iso .org/ obp
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved 1

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oSIST ISO 5667-12:2018
ISO 5667-12:2017(E)

3.1
composite sample
two or more samples or subsamples mixed together in appropriate known proportions, from which the
average result of a designed characteristic may be obtained
Note 1 to entry: The individual portions may be derived from the same unit (stratum) or at the same sediment
depth below a certain interface. The use of subsamples from the same stratum is limited to situations where a
natural mixing of strata is unlikely to have occurred or where the depth of the sediment stratum is sufficient to
allow subsampling without artificial mixing during sample operations. Therefore, subsampling from different
strata is allowed in relation to the objective of the investigation.
3.2
pile-working core compression
blockage
phenomenon which occurs when the sample rising up the inside of a piston corer meets a resistance
due to its own friction, a blockage by a large piece of stone, or the tube being full
3.3
descriptive mapping
description of the sediment (3.5) present in terms of its nature, variation and extent
Note 1 to entry: The exercise is carried out by precise marking of sample location and general recording of site
conditions. Pre-established conditions may be a requirement of the exercise.
3.4
monitoring
establishment of variation of the sediment (3.5) characteristics with time and location
3.5
sediment
solid material, both mineral and organic, deposited in the bottom of a water body
3.6
sediment quality
chemical nature, as well as the physical properties of the sediment (3.5) being sampled, e.g. in relation
to assessment of harbour sediment due to be dredged to determine disposal process
3.7
sampling site
sampling station
well-delimited area, where sampling operations take place
3.8
sampling point
precise position within a sampling site (3.7) from which samples are taken
3.9
uncertainty arising from sampling
part of the total uncertainty of a measured value attributable to sampling
3.10
unconsolidated sediments
sediments (3.5) that are loose so that individual particles are able to move easily relative to each other
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4 Sampling strategy
4.1 General
Sampling of sediments from estuarine and inland water bodies can be completed to address the
following:
— temporal and spatial monitoring of the environment;
— as part of environmental impact assessment informing future construction developments (e.g.
increasing of harbour depth so that vessels can access harbours, and installation of renewable
energy applications such as wind farms);
— sediment distribution mapping of an area to enable, for example, sediment transport or intrusion of
fine inorganic particles and organic material to be determined;
— examining the sediment quality (physical and chemical) so, for example, sediment disposal method
can be determined prior to dredging of harbours or rivers;
— spatial and temporal patterns of sediment-dwelling organisms;
— fundamental research.
4.2 Type of investigation
4.2.1 General
The sampling strategy will vary depending on the aims of the work being completed. Three common
types of investigation can be distinguished:
a) chemical investigation;
b) physical investigation;
c) biological and microbiological investigation.
4.2.2 Chemical investigation
In this type of investigation, the nature and amounts of the substances which are bound to the sediment
or are associated with pore water may be determined. Some chemical species become bonded in
preference to small mineral particles and organic matter while some are incorporated in residual pore
water. It should be noted that where the sampling device is made of metal then abrasion and chemical
action, for example from sulfides and phosphates, may lead to specific contamination. In cases where
sample equipment made from plastics are used, chemical residues may leach from the material into
the sample, for example dispersants, or chemicals from the sediment may adsorb into the plastics.
Quality control measures should be undertaken in full consultation with the receiving laboratory in
order to establish the degree of influence of such effects on the survey results. Some study parameters
(e.g. sulfides) may require to be maintained in an oxygen-free atmosphere. In such circumstances,
storage and handling under an inert gas atmosphere may be needed. If it is necessary to maintain
anaerobic conditions while handling samples, tools such as a glove box should be used. For samples
whose measurements can be affected by exposure to oxygen, analysis should be performed as quickly
as possible.
4.2.3 Physical investigation
In this type of investigation, the structure, texture, particle size and layer formation of the sediment
bed are determined and the strata delineation is important for geographical, morphological and, in
some cases, geotechnical investigations.
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4.2.4 Biological and microbiological investigation
A biological investigation generally involves classifying the species and numbers of flora and/or fauna
present on and in the sediment bed. In many cases, sampling is carried out in the habitat layer, with most
species present in the top 10 cm. However, this might extend to several decimetres. For specific details
regarding biological investigations, references should be made to specific ISO standards already in
existence or under development, including ISO 16665 for methods involving quantitative sampling and
sample processing of marine sub-bottom macrofauna and ISO 10870 for selection of sampling methods
and devices for benthic macroinvertebrates in fresh waters. In some cases, microbial processes may also
be of interest, such as denitrification, phosphate release, methylation of metals such as mercury or tin.
4.3 Choice of sampling site
In choosing the exact point from which samples are required, two aspects are generally involved:
a) the selection of the sampling site (e.g. the location of the sampling cross-section on the base of the
seabed);
b) the identification of the precise point at the sampling site.
The purpose of sampling is often at a precisely defined sampling site (as is the case when studying
deposition from a particular discharge point), but sometimes the purpose is only to lead to a general
definition of the sampling site as in the characterization of the quality and type of material.
The choice of sampling sites for a single sampling station is usually relatively easy. For example,
a monitoring station for a baseline record of sediment quality may be chosen to permit the use of a
convenient bridge or to allow an upstream effluent discharge or tributary to be well mixed laterally
before the station.
Remote sensing methods, such as use of echosounders, including multibeam, or side scan sonars, should
be considered to assist in checking sediment bed status for rock, or other obstacles such as protected
wrecks and unexploded ordnance, prior to sampling. Refer to EN 16260 for advice regarding completion
of visual seabed surveys using remotely operated and/or towed observation gear for collection of
environmental data.
To establish locations for sediment sampling, and to register the exact sampling point locations, it is
recommended to use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
The criteria for sample site choice can include:
— the presence of good sedimentation conditions (e.g. reduced flow rate);
— ease of repeated access to the location, for example a tidal influence;
— seasonal accessibility;
— the influence of marine traffic;
— heterogeneity of the stream bed (roughness, particle size, etc.) across a river transect or within an
area of interest.
4.4 Choice of sampling point
This will be influenced by physical constraints such as boat size or water depth but the precise point
will largely depend upon the purpose of the investigation. For example, if descriptive sediment mapping
is the sole purpose then choice may be the function of flow and current conditions only, whereas if
chemical contamination is being studied, the sampling point will depend largely on the conditions
present at the sediment bed.
NOTE For instance, it would not be expected to find contamination caused by anthropogenic metal inputs in
a riffle area of a stream compared with a pool area.
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Consideration of local conditions and features in the monitoring of harbours, such as proximity to
outfalls, the influence of stream mixing and other factors such as plant growth, may be important.
Further guidance is given in 4.7 and ISO 5667-1.
The choice of sampling point will be a desirable pre-qualification for the programme, but exact locations
will inevitably be revised in the field. The number of sampling points required needs to be statistically
representative relevant to address the purpose of the investigation. In rivers and estuaries, it needs to
be considered that the sediments are turned over in several deposition and re-suspension cycles. Thus,
the sediment layers may not be representative for historical deposition scenarios. In this case, age
determination by radiological or limnological analysis is recommended. Statistical guidance is given in
ISO 5667-1. Composite samples may be produced to reduce analysis costs and assist deriving average
regional concentrations as indicated in 6.2. Because of the often patchy distribution of organisms, for
biological samples, it could be necessary to choose multiple random sample sites or to conduct stratified
[23]
random sampling .
4.5 Choice of sampling method
4.5.1 General
The choice of sampling method will largely be restricted by the two following factors:
a) the requirement for a largely undisturbed sample for delineation and the preservation of water and
sediment interface (further details are given in Clause 5);
b) the acceptance of a disturbed sample taken near the bed surface for a general morphological or
chemical examination.
Certain types of chemical parameter may necessitate the use of inert liners in piston or tube type
recovery devices, for example polytetrafluoroethylene linings if low-level pesticides are being
examined. Reference should be made to ISO 5667-15 for guidance on the preservation and handling of
sediment samples.
The remaining factor affecting the choice of sampling method will be the applicability of the proposed
device to the sediment bed conditions. Ideally, consistent sampling methods are used throughout
the survey, although if sediment bed conditions vary within the area being sampled, this may not be
possible. Sampling regimes are summarized in Table 1. More detail about samplers is given in Clause 5.
Table 1 — Sediment type and recommended sampler
a
Sediment type Sampler
Gravel Grab systems; large particle size may require heavier grabs.
Sand Both grab and corer systems can be used. A sand bed can be hard to penetrate
and thus prove difficult for lightweight grabs and manually operated corer
systems. Grabs of larger mass and heavy mechanical corers may be required.
Clay It may be necessary to use a corer because grab systems often cannot
penetrate easily into the clay.
Mud Both grab and corer systems can be used but care should be taken to avoid
over penetration (see 4.5.3).
Peat A difficult medium to sample but it is sometimes possible to use a manually
operated corer system or a special peat borer.
a
Sampler type versus sediment type may have to be determined by experimentation.
4.5.2 Consolidated bottom sediment
For consolidated bottom sediment, both grab and corer systems can be used. If a grab is used, it may be
difficult to determine the penetration depth of the sampling.
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4.5.3 Unconsolidated bottom sediment
For unconsolidated bottom sediment, grab systems are not suitable as they are prone to sinking through
the soft layer. Corer systems are better but, when a frame is used at greater depth, care is essential to
prevent the frame from sinking through the soft layer. More support can usually be given to prevent
this by adding large plates to the feet of the frame. Samplers which depend on the free-fall principle are
not suitable for this bed type.
4.6 Frequency and time of sampling
Results from a sampling programme need to provide data with an acceptable uncertainty defined in
the objectives of the programme. If the objectives do not include a definition of the tolerable error, a
statistically-based sampling programme is impossible. It should be remembered that changes with
time of sediment composition may require a much longer period of observation to detect than changes
observed for water. For example, diurnal variation in concentration of metals may be detected in
estuarine water but the respective sediments may only show fluctuation over a much longer sampling
period. When using systematic sampling, it is essential to ensure that the frequency of sampling does
not coincide with a natural cycle present in the system. In the case of sediments, this may be seasonal
variation, yet it should also be considered that flow extremes, especially flooding, result in bed transport
and altered sediment structure and lead to intrusion or washout of inorganic and organic fine material.
It may be necessary to increase the sampling frequency in order to observe any variation in some cases,
for example when monitoring pore water nutrients. The frequency of sediment sampling is only likely
to have a major infl
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