Failure to cool a sample to the proper preservation temperature will result in which of the following?

When a sample is not cooled to the appropriate preservation temperature, the analyte, or the substance being measured, can degrade due to biological activity or chemical reactions. Many constituents in water samples, such as bacteria and organic compounds, can undergo changes if the sample is not kept at a low temperature. This degradation can result in inaccurate measurements, meaning the sample no longer accurately represents the conditions of the water body from which it was collected.

Maintaining the integrity of the sample through proper temperature control is crucial for ensuring that any analysis performed reflects the true characteristics of the original water source. Other factors like potential stabilization of the sample or contamination are less relevant to the immediate impact of failing to cool it, as degradation is the primary concern with temperature violations in sampling protocols.