Field Chemistry
Developed by Ken CookeKentucky Division of Water
Watershed Watch Program Coordinator
Modified by Mike KempProfessor of Environmental Engineering Technology
Murray State University
Field Chemistry Tests
• pH• Dissolved Oxygen• Conductivity• Temperature
*Some things are best done in person.
Field Chemistry Equipment
Testing strips such as pH paper and “dip strips” are not as accurate.
• Testing kits• Alcohol or mineral spirit • thermometers • Conductivity/TDS Meters• (calibrated) • pH meters calibrated with • 4-7-10 standard solutions
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 Levels
0-4 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
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Conductivity O
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 rainfall (in inches)• Turbidity (0-3 point scale)
*Some things are best done in person.
0=Dry
4=Bank Full
5=Flood!
Flow Observations
0 = Dry1 = Ponded2 = Low3 = Normal4 = Bank Full5 = FLOOD!
*Get to know your creek.
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 kit• pH kit• Thermometer• Spent chemical waste container• Conductivity meter and screwdriver• “Blue Book” of instructions• Recording forms• Pencil• First aid kit
Field Chemistry Check List
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 instructions.• Use plastic spent chemical waste
container at stream.• Dispose of waste properly at home.