Measurements in Environmental Engineering
The environment consists of very complex systems ranging in scale from the cell to the planet. To determine the condition of such systems calls for various means of measurement. Engineers who design and implement measurement studies must ensure not only that the measurements are scientifically credible but also that the investigations are conducted in an ethical manner. In addition to the traditional monitoring equipment, sensors have become important assets in environmental measurements. The next-gen technologies are key parts of the new environmental engineering measurement paradigm. The chapter provides an overview of some of the most important measurement methods in use today. It introduces some of the techniques available for sampling, laboratory analysis, and extrapolation and interpolation of measured results, using various types of models. Uncertainty is always present in sampling, analysis, and data interpretation, so the monitoring and data reduction plan should be systematic and rigorous. Contaminant assessments have numerous sources of uncertainty.
