Term: instantaneous sampling (spot sampling)
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03064

Definition:
Obtaining a sample of the atmosphere in a period which is short compared with the duration of the sampling exercise. Such samples are often called 'grab' samples, a term not recommended. These are useful for the analysis of hydrocarbons and other complicated mixtures of trace gases which are relatively stable in a stainless steel canister or tank and can be transported back to the laboratory for chromatographic or other analysis which cannot be done satisfactorily in the field.

Related Terms:
1) hydrocarbons (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.H02889).
2) stable (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05900).

Source: PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2197 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)

Citation: 'instantaneous sampling (spot sampling)' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03064

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