Which sample collection method is best for non-continuous sampling tasks?

Grab sampling is the best method for non-continuous sampling tasks because it involves collecting a single sample at a specific point in time, which is ideal when you need a snapshot of the conditions or characteristics of a site or material at that moment. This method is straightforward and allows inspectors to quickly capture information about the state of the environment, such as the concentration of pollutants or other relevant substances.

In contrast, continuous flow methods are designed for ongoing monitoring and not suitable for intermittent sampling. Composite sampling aggregates multiple samples over a period to provide an average, which may not accurately reflect transient conditions specific to non-continuous sampling tasks. Timed flow sampling collects samples at set intervals, which requires a continuous flow setup and may not capture the specific instances of interest that grab sampling targets. Thus, for tasks that do not require ongoing monitoring and instead need focused information at discrete times, grab samples are the most effective choice.