What is the consequence of exceeding the hold time for chemical samples?

When chemical samples exceed their designated hold time, the primary consequence is often inaccurate analysis. Hold times are established to ensure that the samples remain stable and representative of the water being tested. During the hold time, chemical and biological processes can alter the composition of the sample, which may lead to misleading results. For example, certain compounds may degrade, volatile substances may evaporate, or biological activity may change the concentrations of contaminants or nutrient levels.

If a sample is analyzed after its hold time, the results may not accurately reflect the conditions of the sample at the time of collection. This can result in faulty data that could affect decision-making related to wastewater treatment, compliance, and environmental protection. Therefore, adhering to hold times is crucial for maintaining the integrity of analytical results.

While other options like sample contamination or increased costs might occur due to various factors and loss of sample could result from mishandling, exceeding the hold time primarily impacts the reliability and accuracy of the analytical findings.