Soil sampling tool with unique vent-and-seal features and related method

A method for collecting a soil sample containing a volatile organic compound including:

• providing a sampling tool including (a) a barrel having a barrel distal end and a seal surface spaced from the distal end, (b) a soil-receiving cavity in the barrel, the cavity including a terminus spaced from the barrel distal end and an air passage adjacent to the terminus, and (c) a cap for closing the end, the cap including an O-ring seal;
• pushing the distal end into soil;
• filling the cavity with the sample;
• closing the air passage;
• urging the cap over the distal end and toward a sealing position, thereby expelling air through a vent structure;
• and
• positioning the cap at the sealing position;
• and
• placing the seal against the seal surface, thereby occluding the vent structure.

A method for collecting a soil sample containing a volatile organic compound including:

• providing a sampling tool configured for hand manipulation and including (a) a barrel having a barrel distal end, (b) a soil-receiving cavity in the barrel, and (c) a cap for closing the end;
• hand-pushing the distal end into soil having a moisture content not in excess of about 20%;
• filling the cavity with the sample;
• urging the cap over the distal end and toward a sealing position, thereby expelling air through a vent structure adjacent to the barrel distal end;
• and
• positioning the cap at the sealing position, thereby occluding the vent structure.