We want to collect rainfall samples to establish a local meteoric water line using stable isotope ratios (δD and δO18). We've built our own rainfall totalizers and bottles will be switched on a monthly basis. What is the best way to clean collection bottles as well as other components of the rainfall totalizers if they will be re-used? Is washing with distilled water and air-drying adequate?
You can watch this link
https://isotopes.usgs.gov/lab/instructions.html
Instructions for Collecting Samples
Proper sampling and field measurements of both physicochemical and isotopic parameters
http://www-naweb.iaea.org/napc/ih/documents/other/Sampling%20booklet%20web.pdf
Ultimately, a sampling program should produce defensible data, and the best way to protect the integrity of samples is to ensure they are not compromised by contaminants originating from sampling equipment or otherwise.
Clean and sterilise bottle equipment after every using.
First, clean equipment by washing with hot, water.
Next, sterilise by boiling, no using chemicals, steaming.
Washing with distilled water and air-drying
Last, store cleaned and sterilised equipment in a sealed container.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question, Dr Moussa. This is most helpful, appreciate it!
I think the high-density polyethylene bottles can meet the job needs. In our works, we collected the water passed through 0.45 μm Millipore filters into 20 ml high-density polyethylene bottles. Finally, all samples were sealed with Parafilm and stored in a refrigerator at ∼ 4 °C. For details, see the paper "Conservation of oxygen and hydrogen seasonal isotopic signals in meteoric precipitation in groundwater: An experimental tank study of the effects of land cover in a summer monsoon climate". Hope these answers can help you，best wishes.
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