Overview
ISO 5667-19:2004 - Water quality - Sampling - Part 19: Guidance on sampling of marine sediments provides standardized guidance for planning and carrying out sediment sampling in marine environments. The standard covers sampling strategy, selection and use of sampling devices, field observations, sample handling, and packaging and storage for physical and chemical analyses used in environmental monitoring and assessment. It does not cover freshwater sediments, data treatment or laboratory analysis methods.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Sampling programme and plan: Define study objectives, spatial design, number of sampling points and replicates, and seasonal or hydrographic considerations to meet data quality objectives.
- Types of surveys: Guidance for pilot/reconnaissance, baseline/impact assessment, and temporal trend monitoring - including grid, gradient and fixed-point approaches.
- Sampling procedure:
- Vessel and positioning requirements (e.g., accurate location of sampling points using DGPS where required).
- Use of acoustic surveys or ROV reconnaissance to map seabed and stratigraphy before sampling.
- Criteria for choosing appropriate sampling equipment (surface grabs, cores, corers) based on objectives and sediment type.
- Handling and sub-sampling to preserve sample integrity and reduce contamination.
- Sample identification and records: Field logging, metadata and reporting forms (Annex A provides an example reporting form).
- Packaging and storage: Recommendations to minimise alteration before analysis (packaging, temperature control, transport).
- Safety and quality assurance: Field safety measures and QA protocols to ensure reproducible, defensible results (Annex B describes sampling devices).
- Limitations: The standard explicitly excludes freshwater sediment guidance and data analysis procedures.
Practical applications and users
ISO 5667-19:2004 is useful for:
- Environmental and marine monitoring programs assessing sediment contamination and sediment quality
- Regulatory agencies conducting baseline and impact assessments around discharges, ports or industrial sites
- Environmental consultants and contractors designing and executing sediment sampling campaigns
- Research institutions studying sediment accumulation, contaminant distribution or temporal trends
- Oil & gas, dredging and coastal engineering projects requiring standardized sediment sampling for permitting or monitoring
Adoption of ISO 5667-19 helps ensure consistent, comparable sediment data across surveys, supports defensible environmental assessments, and improves reproducibility in marine sediment monitoring.
Related standards
- ISO 5667 (series) - general guidance on water quality sampling (Parts 1–18, 20+)
- ISO 6107 - Water quality vocabulary (referenced for terms and definitions)
Keywords: ISO 5667-19:2004, marine sediments, sediment sampling guidance, water quality sampling, sampling strategy, sediment cores, acoustic survey, packaging and storage, environmental monitoring.
