What is a defining characteristic of composite sampling?

Composite sampling is characterized by its method of aggregating multiple samples taken over a designated period to provide a comprehensive representation of overall water quality. This technique is particularly useful in wastewater and environmental monitoring, as it allows for a more accurate assessment of fluctuating conditions and variations in water quality parameters over time.

By collecting samples at regular intervals and combining them, composite sampling helps to account for the variability that may occur in water quality due to changes in flow, loading, or other influences. This approach can help to identify trends, average concentrations, and variations, offering a broader understanding of the water body’s health compared to single-point sampling or a focus solely on specific characteristics.

The options referencing continuous measurement, individual sample collection at different times, or concentration on physical properties do not capture the composite nature of this sampling method, as they either restrict the sampling process or limit the analysis to specific characteristics rather than considering the overall quality of the sample collected over time.