ISO 5667-15-2009 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 5667-15-2009 — Water quality — Sampling — Part 15: Guidance on the preservation and handling of sludge and sediment samples. This part of ISO 5667 gives guidance on procedures for preserving, handling and storing wet samples of sewage and waterworks sludge, suspended matter, freshwater sediments and saltwater sediments until chemical, physical, radiochemical and/or biological examination can be carried out in the laboratory.

Abstract

Provides practical guidance for field and laboratory personnel on sample containers, preservation methods, temperature control, transport and short-term storage practices aimed at maintaining sample integrity for a range of analyses (chemical, physical, radiochemical and biological). The procedures are intended for wet samples of sludge, sediment and suspended matter; dried or freeze-dried samples are treated separately (see related standards).

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed on review).
• Publication date: August 2009.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.060.30; 13.060.45.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2009).
• Number of pages: 17 (main English edition).

Key bibliographic and lifecycle facts: ISO 5667-15 was published as the second edition in August 2009 and was reviewed/confirmed in 2020. A further revision (an FDIS/third edition) has been developed under the ISO/5667-15 work item.

Scope

This part of ISO 5667 gives guidance on the preservation, handling and storage of samples of sewage and waterworks sludge, suspended matter, saltwater sediments and freshwater sediments, up to the point of laboratory examination. It applies only to wet samples of sludge, sediment and suspended matter; guidance for dried or freeze‑dried samples is covered by other standards (for example ISO 18512 for storage of dried samples and ISO 16720 for freeze‑drying procedures).

Key topics and requirements

• Selection and preparation of appropriate sample containers and labelling to avoid contamination and preserve sample integrity.
• Recommended preservation practices (temperature control such as refrigeration/freezing and, where applicable, use of chemical preservatives) and handling steps to minimize changes before analysis.
• Guidance on sample volumes, subsampling and homogenization for representative analyses of sludge, sediments and suspended solids.
• Short‑term storage and transport conditions and maximum holding considerations (general guidance; analyte‑specific holding times remain the responsibility of the laboratory/method used).
• Procedures to maintain chain of custody and documentation during sampling, transport and transfer to the laboratory.
• Notes on limitations: the document focuses on wet samples and refers users to other ISO documents for dried/freeze‑dried material and for analyte‑specific methods.

Typical use and users

Used by environmental and water‑quality field teams, wastewater and water treatment works staff, environmental consultants, laboratories performing chemical/biological/radiochemical analyses, regulators and organisations preparing sampling programmes where sludge, sediment or suspended matter must be transported to a laboratory for analysis.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 5667 series on water quality sampling (other parts cover programme design, sampling of various water bodies and sample handling). Related documents often referenced include ISO 5667‑1 (design of sampling programmes), ISO 5667‑3 (preservation and handling of water samples), ISO 18512 (storage of dried samples) and ISO 16720 (freeze‑drying guidance). The ISO 5667 series and national/adopted versions (EN ISO 5667‑15:2009, etc.) provide complementary guidance.

Keywords

sludge, sediment, suspended matter, sample preservation, sample handling, sample storage, water quality sampling, chain of custody, temperature control, ISO 5667

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 5667-15:2009 is the part of the ISO 5667 series that gives guidance on preservation, handling and storage of sludge, sediment and suspended‑matter samples intended for laboratory examination.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers practical field and laboratory guidance for sampling containers, preservation (temperature and where appropriate preservatives), transport, short‑term storage, subsampling and documentation for wet samples of sewage sludge, waterworks sludge, suspended solids and freshwater and marine sediments. It does not provide analyte‑specific holding times; laboratories and test methods should be consulted for those details.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental field personnel, wastewater and water utility operators, environmental consultants, testing laboratories and regulatory agencies that need consistent procedures to preserve and transport sludge and sediment samples for reliable analysis.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2009 second edition is a published and confirmed version (reviewed in 2020). ISO has worked on a further revision (an FDIS for a third edition), so users should check for any newer edition or national adoption before purchase or application. The 1999 first edition was withdrawn and superseded by the 2009 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 5667 is a multi‑part series covering sampling of water and related matrices; Part 15 is focused on sludge, sediment and suspended matter and is used alongside other parts (for example Parts 1, 3, 6, 13, 14, 16 and others) depending on the sampling context.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sludge; sediment; suspended matter; sample preservation; sample handling; storage; water quality sampling; ISO 5667; chain of custody; transport conditions.