Contamination control
Vibrocoring is particularly well suited to sampling of contaminated sediments. Immediately after collection, the tube containing the intact core can be capped and taped. Although this minimizes the risk of exposure, sampling crews are advised to wear protective gear, including Tyvek suits, rubber gloves and boots, and safety glasses. Once the core tube is sealed, it can be transported and processed under controlled conditions ashore. Processing on board would not only contaminate the vessel, but would also slow down the sampling effort.
At the processing site, cores should be opened on a sheet of plastic film to contain leakage. Procedures should be set up for collecting sub-samples, decontaminating tools, and containing waste materials. The rinsed core tube halves can be disposed of as solid waste.
