Which technique is used to determine both the extent and intensity of contamination?

• A. Star
• B. Grid
• C. Boundary of contamination
• D. Course Leg

Answer: (D)

The technique that determines both how far contamination reaches and how strong it is uses a straight-line sampling approach along a defined path. By traversing along that line and taking measurements at set intervals, you generate a concentration profile: you can see where the contaminant appears, where it tapers off, and how high the concentration is at each point. This direct line of data shows the extent along that path and the varying intensity along it. When you combine multiple traverses or analyze the profile across the line, you can map the overall spread and the gradient of contamination across the area. Other patterns, like sampling on a grid, star pattern, or just locating a boundary, don’t inherently provide both a continuous extent and a concentration profile along a single path as effectively.