Download - 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