23 Oct 2007

 

Environmental Chemistry, CE En 555

 

Sampling Site Visit

 

Location:  Hobble Creek, Middle Station

 

 

Objective

 

The primary objective of this sampling visit is to perform a statistical analysis of our sampling instruments.  We will also be getting familiar with tests that were not performed during the Oct 4 sampling trip in order to get a better characterization of the water quality of Hobble Creek.

 

 

Materials and Preparation

 

In preparation for this lab, each group will be responsible for researching the detection limits of each parameter to which they are assigned.  This may require internet searches and/or telephone calls as these detection limits are not published in the instruction manuals provided. 

 

The materials required for this lab include:

 

Sampling kits/probes

Bucket

Rope

Kimwipes

Rubber gloves

Distilled Water

Hazardous waste disposal container

Watch

GPS Unit

Waders

 

 

Background

 

Three categories of readings will be taken for this lab.

 

  1. Colorimeter readings:  These readings consist of all readings that are taken by the LaMotte colorimeter.  For each test, three samples will be collected, and three readings will me made for each sample.  The tests that fall under this category include:

 

Chromium-Hexavalent

Sulfate

Chlorine

Bromine

Iodine

Silica

Fluoride

Mercury

Lead

Iron

Nitrate

Nitrite

Phosphate

Ammonia-Nitrogen

 

  1. Non-colorimeter readings:  These readings consist of all kit tests that can be conducted without the use of the colorimeter.  For each test, three samples will be collected at different times and their readings will be taken and recorded just once for each sample.  The tests that fall under this category include:

 

Total Hardness

Calcium Hardness

Chloride

Alkalinity

CO2

                       

  1. Probe readings:  These readings consist of all tests that are conducted with either the YSI probe or the LaMotte probes.  Each of these tests will be conducted with spatial variation and time variation.  For each test, three locations will be monitored: mid-stream, near left bank, and near right bank.  This will be done three times at 15 minute time intervals.  The tests that fall under this category include:

 

pH (YSI)

Temperature (YSI)

pH (LaMotte)

Conductivity (LaMotte)

 

 

Procedures

 

  1. Record the geographic coordinates of the sampling site

 

  1. Obtain samples (if site lacks decent accessibility, use sampling bucket to obtain samples)

 

  1. Begin preparing samples.  The samples that take the longest to prepare and test are silica, nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate.  Perform these tests first.  Each group must designate a scribe to record the times at which each sample was taken, the times at which each reading was taken, and the readings.  For probe readings, also record the sampling location.

 

  1. Dispose of all hazardous waste in the disposal container

 

  1. Each group is to summarize their sampling experience and post their data and results to the CE 555 groups folder.

 

 

Assignments

 

Probe readings: Veronica Wannberg, Rushit Hila, Jared McLaughlin

 

Non-colorimeter readings: Joshua Draper, Murari Paudel, Warren Casbeer

 

Colorimeter readings:  Clark Barlow, Oliver Obregon, Lourdes Manley

 

While each group has their designated responsibility, tasks are not evenly distributed.  With just one colorimeter, it is expected that the colorimeter readings will take the longest especially is the additional order of 10 mL bottles has not yet arrived.  All groups should work together to finish the colorimeter readings upon completing their own designated responsibilities.