Field Water Chemistry Analysis Equipment Care Test Procedures Results Interpretation Data Reporting

Field Water Chemistry Analysis•Equipment Care •Test Procedures•Results Interpretation •Data Reporting

Field Chemistry Tests

•pH•Dissolved Oxygen•Conductivity•Temperature

Some things are just best done in person.

Field Chemistry EquipmentLamotte Brand Testing KitsAlcohol or mineral spirit thermometers Conductivity/TDS Meters (calibrated) pH meters calibrated with 4-7-10 standard solutions

Other field testing equipment is usable ifcalibrated and documented.

Testing strips such as pH paper and “dip strips”are not accepted.

How to count to 10The ability to differentiate colorHow to follow step by step instructionsThe ability to fill a bottle

What you need to know

Measuring pH

pH testing kit

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pH-Good Between 6-9 Standard Units

Acid Range

Basic or Alkaline Range

Interpreting pH Results

Measuring Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved Oxygen testing kit

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Dissolved Oxygen Levels0-4 mg/l poor4-7 mg/l fair7-10 mg/l good10-14 mg/l excellentover 14 ????? Check your test!

Interpreting Dissolved Oxygen Results

Dissolved Oxygen

Temperature

Measuring Conductivity

Conductivity Meter (and you get a thermometer)

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ConductivityO

il and Gas W

ell Discharge

The higher the number, the poorer the quality.

Waste w

ater impact

Norm

al Stream

Rain

Conductivity

Flow

Field Observations

•Flow 0-5 point scale

•24 hour rainfallIn inches

•Turbidity 0-3 point scale

Some things are just best done in person.

Flow Observations

•Flow 0 = Dry1 = Ponded2 = low3 = Normal4 = Bank Full5 = FLOOD!

Get to know your creek

0=Dry

4=Bank Full

5=Flood!

Record Discharge in Cubic Feet Per Second

Estimate rainfall in your watershedin quarter inches for the last 24 hours

Use Weather Channel, local paper orToad Gauge

Value Observation NTUs

0 Crystal Clear 0 NTUs

1 Clear 1-3 NTUs

2 Cloudy 4-12 NTUs

3 Muddy >12 NTUs

Turbidity 0-3 point scale

Other observations to make

•Putrescent or otherwise objectionable bottom deposits

•Oil, scum, and floating debris in amounts that are unsightly

•Nuisance levels of odor, color, other conditions

DO kitpH kitThermometerSpent chemical waste containerConductivity meter and screwdriver“Blue Book” of instructionsRecording formspencilFirst Aid Kit

Field Chemistry Check List

Equipment UseEquipment is “Loaned” to you for the duration of the project.Please return field kits to your area coordinator or sampling event coordinator if you “retire” from the project.

Kits have enough chemical for 50 tests! (use them all you want!)Store in a cool, dry place.

NOT a hot car or freezing garage!

Chemicals should be replaced every two years.Should you need replacement chemicalsor glassware before then, let us know.

Equipment Use

There are hazardous chemicals in these kits!DO Test uses a strong alkali (like bleach)pH test chemical is flammable

Read Material Safety Data Sheets for handling and Disposal InstructionsUse plastic spent chemical waste container at streamDispose of properly at home.

Equipment Use

We request that you Run D.O., Temp & pH test every field visit or sampling event.

Feel free to use them more frequently •For monthly or bi-weekly testing•For testing other resources•For educational demonstrations

Equipment Use

Test at the creek!

ConductField Testsin actual conditions