What site characteristics should be considered when developing a sampling scheme?

1. Accessibility: Consider how easy it is to access the site, including factors such as distance from the research team's location, transportation options, and any potential barriers to access.

2. Size: The size of the site will impact the feasibility of sampling, as larger sites may require more resources and time to cover adequately.

3. Heterogeneity: Consider the diversity of the site in terms of its physical features, vegetation, and wildlife, as this can affect the representativeness of the sample.

4. Topography: The topography of the site, including factors such as elevation, slope, and terrain, can impact the ease of sampling and the distribution of species or habitats.

5. Land use: Consider how the site is currently being used, as this can affect the availability of sampling locations and the presence of potential sources of bias.

6. Ecological characteristics: Consider the ecological characteristics of the site, such as its biodiversity, habitat types, and ecosystem services, as these can influence the sampling design and the interpretation of results.

7. Legal and ethical considerations: Consider any legal or ethical considerations related to sampling at the site, such as permits, permissions, and potential impacts on the environment or local communities.

8. Previous research: Consider any previous research conducted at the site, as this can inform the sampling design and help avoid duplication of effort.

Physical Characteristics:

- Site topography: Slope, elevation, terrain roughness, aspect
- Soil type and texture: Soil pH, nutrient content, compaction, porosity
- Hydrology: Surface water flow, groundwater depth, drainage patterns
- Vegetation: Species composition, density, biomass, cover type
- Wildlife habitat: Presence of endangered or sensitive species, nesting sites

Chemical Characteristics:

- Contaminant presence and distribution: Types of contaminants, concentrations, spatial and temporal variability
- Geochemical properties: Soil mineralogy, organic matter content, redox conditions
- Water chemistry: pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, nutrient levels

Biological Characteristics:

- Microorganisms: Microbial diversity, abundance, activity
- Invertebrates: Species richness, abundance, distribution
- Vertebrates: Presence, behavior, breeding or migration patterns

Temporal Considerations:

- Seasonality: Variations in vegetation growth, wildlife activity, or water flow
- Diurnal patterns: Changes in environmental conditions or species behavior over the course of a day
- Long-term trends: Historical data or anticipated changes in site conditions

Access and Safety:

- Accessibility: Ease of reaching sampling locations on foot, vehicle, or boat
- Safety hazards: Presence of steep slopes, hazardous materials, or wildlife risks

Sampling Purpose and Objectives:

- Objective of the sampling: Monitoring, remediation, research
- Target analytes: Specific contaminants or biological indicators to be measured
- Desired accuracy and precision: Level of detail required for data interpretation
- Statistical considerations: Sample size, sampling frequency, spatial and temporal distribution

Cost and Budget:

- Time and effort required for sampling: Travel, field measurements, sample collection
- Equipment and materials: Cost of sampling equipment, supplies, and analytical services
- Data analysis and interpretation: Cost of data processing, modeling, and reporting