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Water Quality Field Guide - Ag.& Environmental Sciences Academy

1. B 5 APPENDIX B SPARKVUE TECH TIPS 2 9 Result The Standard Value and Sensor Value for Point 2 will be will be filled with the standard value 10 and the reading from the sensor respectively 15 Click OK The display will return to the Calibrate Sensor screen 16 Click OK to return to the Experiment Tools screen Click OK again to return to the experiment Calibrating the Salinity Sensor You will need a 35 ppt sodium chloride solution and deionized water 1 ON DH 10 11 12 13 Connect the Salinity Sensor to the interface SPARKlink or SPARK connected to the computer Open SPARK vue Click the salinity reading on the live data page and click Show N A Result The Experiment Tools screen opens Click the Experiment Tools button Click CALIBRATE SENSOR Result The Calibrate Sensor screen opens Click the Sensor box and select the Salinity Sensor Select Salinity from the Measurement box Use the 1 point Adjust Slope Only calibration Click NEXT Place the salinity probe into the 35 ppt sodium chloride solution and walt for about 1 minute Under Calibration Point 1 click Standard Value and enter 35 ppt Under Calibration Point 1 click Read From Sensor Result The Standard Value and Sensor Value for Point 1 will be filled with the standard value 35 ppt and the reading from the sensor respectively Rinse the probe with deionized water Click OK The display will return to
2. Municipal water supplies are monitored for conductivity as increased dissolved solids in the water supply can create hard water add scale build up to plumbing and change the taste of the water Conductivity analysis is important in aquariums and fish spawning habitats as many species are sensitive to abrupt changes in the salinity of their environment Desirable conductivity levels by designated use Designated Use Conductivity Reference uS cm at 25 C Drinking water Less than 750 lower levels EPA Secondary Drinking Water 400 uS cm or lower are Standard better Freshwater aquatic life 150 to 500 Ref Marine aquatic life 50 000 Ref Agricultural irrigation Less than 750 Ref As computed from 500 ppm TDS using the 0 67 conversion factor Many species can tolerate much higher levels Many plants can grow at much higher levels see the accompanying table in this section 37 Conductivity Dissolved solids hazard for irrigation water Effect Conductivity uS cm No adverse effects Less than 750 Adverse effects on sensitive crops 750 1500 Adverse effects on many crops unless carefully managed 1500 3000 Adverse effects for all plants except for some tolerant 3000 7500 species even with careful management As computed from 500 ppm TDS using the 0 67 conversion factor less than 250 uS cm is best More specific measurements may be necessary A high conductivity determination may indicate
3. Water Quality Field Guide Phosphate What is phosphate Phosphate PO4 is an ionic water soluble form of phosphorous Phosphorus can be measured as total phosphorus TP or as soluble reactive phosphate SRP which is also called phosphate PO or orthophosphate ortho P Phosphate represents the fraction of TP that is available to organisms for growth and is the fraction that is usually measured in water quality studies Phosphate PO is measured in terms of mg L parts per million ppm or ug L parts per billion ppb Phosphate phosphorous PO P is equivalent to a phosphate measurement divided by 0 3261 which is the ratio of the atomic weights of phosphorus to phosphate 80 97 g mol 94 97 g mol Phosphate is one of the major nutrients required for plant and animal growth and is essential for life Phosphate is used by all aerobic organisms organisms that require oxygen to live in the production of energy storage molecules and it is a constituent of cell membranes and other intracellular molecules and structures including DNA Why measure phosphate Phosphate is generally the rate limiting eutrophication reagent That is in most circumstances of all the nutrients required for freshwater plant growth phosphate is the one that is used up first Therefore when there is no more phosphate plant growth stops Conversely when phosphate is present plant growth is stimulated The presence of excessive amounts of
4. a reddish precipitate Both of these precipitates form as gels or flocs that can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic life They can settle to form flocculent materials that cover stream bottoms destroying bottom dwelling invertebrates plants or incubating fish eggs Ferric hydroxide flocs have been observed to coat the gills of white perch minnows and silverside fish With time these flocs can consolidate to form cement like materials thus consolidating bottom gravels into pavement like areas that are unsuitable as spawning sites for nest building fish Trout and salmon are particularly affected because their eggs require the protection of the spaces in gravel anda constant flow of oxygen rich water Settling iron flocs have also been reported to trap and carry diatoms downward in waters It is feared that these settled iron flocs may have adverse effects on important commercial mussels and other shellfish resources Iron is an objectionable component in water supplies for either domestic or industrial use Iron appreciably affects the taste of beverages at levels of 1 8 mg L in spring water and at 3 4 mg L in distilled water and it can stain laundered clothes and plumbing fixtures Dissolved iron can adversely affect many industrial processes including the production of beverages textiles paper leather products and power High levels of dissolved irons in sprayed on irrigation water can result in a build up of iron oxides precipita
5. Building an experiment 1 Connect a sensor to the interface SPARKlink or SPARK connected to the computer Open SPARKvue 2 Click Build 3 Choose the parameter you want to observe in the menu to the left of the screen Click the name of that parameter 1 23 4 Click the Digits Display 1 button Continue to add parameters in this manner until you have added all parameters relevant to the experiment Note Six digits displays can be shown at once 5 Click OK The display s will appear on a new page Putting SPARKvue into manual sampling mode 1 Click the Sampling Options button amp Result The Sampling Option screen opens 2 Click Manual Click OK to close the Sampling Options screen Task result SPARKvue 1s now ready to record manually sampled data Recording a set of manually sampled data If SPARKvue is in manual sampling mode complete these steps to record a data set B 1 APPENDIX B SPARKVUE TECH TIPS 2 5 4 Click the Start button gt Result SPARKvue creates a new data set Live data appear in the data displays 2 When you are ready to trigger the recording of a data point click the Keep button 3 Repeat Step 2 as many times as necessary to record all of the data that you want in the data set 4 When the entire set has been recorded click the Stop button Result The data set closes Note If you accidentally stop the data collection early by touching the Stop b
6. by microorganisms in the soil or water the nitrite ion is an intermediate product of this process Nitrate 1s one of the seven molecular forms that are important in the nitrogen cycle These seven forms are molecular nitrogen gas N2 nitrous oxide NO2 organic nitrogen in amino and amine groups ammonia or the ammonium ion NH or NH nitrite and nitrate Nitrogen is essential to life on earth as it is essential for plant growth and development Nitrogen gas makes up 78 percent of the air we breathe although our source for useful nitrogen comes from the food we eat Nitrogen in the various forms listed above passes from the air to the soil to all living things and then back into the air through the process called the nitrogen cycle The relationship between ammonia nitrite and nitrate is shown by the following reactions NH 2H0 NO 8H ammonia water nitrite hydrogen ions NO H2O NO 2H nitrite water nitrate hydrogen ions Why measure nitrate While nitrate itself is normally not toxic to humans and fish can tolerate low levels of nitrate nitrite is quite toxic to most aquatic animals and to humans Where there are high levels of nitrate there are probably high levels of nitrite Nitrate is easier to measure so it is used as a marker that may indicate the need for additional testing for nitrite A high nitrate concentration may also signal the presence of pathogenic bacterial contamina
7. e p H Dissolved Oxygen The Water Quality Sensor enables the collection of multiple types of water quality data simultaneously from the same sample The sensor rapidly alternates reading each sensor so that there is no electrical interference between sensors such as would occur when using separate sensors in the same sample Using the Water Quality Sensor therefore allows the collection of these four parameters simultaneously Using the Water Quality Sensor Plug the Water Quality Sensor into a data collection system 1 Depending on the data collection system you are using the parameters will automatically display in different ways A digits display of 2 parameters dissolved oxygen and conductivity may pop up automatically or you may need to build an experiment to display the parameters Depending upon the data collection system up to 8 parameters may display at once 2 2 The cord on the dissolved oxygen sensor is quite long to enable you to measure the amount of dissolved oxygen at the bottom of a water column as well as at the top and midway If you only want to sample the dissolved oxygen at the same level as the other sensors simply coil up the cord to the desired length and secure 1t with a twist wire or tape If you want to sample water farther out from the bank Obtain a long pole or a meter stick Tape the sensor onto the end of the pole or stick and allow the probes to hang down from the sensor Use a sensor LS
8. 1 minute Under Calibration Point 2 touch Standard Value and enter 10 the pH of the buffer solution Under Calibration Point 2 touch Read From Sensor Result The Standard Value and Sensor Value for Point 2 will be filled with the standard value 10 and the reading from the sensor respectively Touch OK The display will return to the Calibrate Sensor screen A 6 APPENDIX A SPARK SCIENCE LEARNING SYSTEM TECH TIPS 2 8 2 9 16 Touch OK to return to the Experiment Tools screen Touch OK again to return to the experiment Creating a Coordinate Marker using the GPS Sensor 1 Connect the GPS Sensor to the SPARK 2 Touch Build on the live data page Build an experiment that shows latitude and longitude on a line graph Touch OK Set the SPARK to manual sampling mode 2 3 Walk to the location you would like your coordinate marker to represent When you reach the location record a data point and then end the data set Set the SPARK back to periodic sampling mode NOD Y Begin collecting data As you walk around your second data set will be in the same scale and on the same graph as your original point You can use the first data set as a reference and return to that point later from any location Calibrating the Salinity Sensor You will need a 35 ppt sodium chloride solution and deionized water 1 Connect the Salinity Sensor to the interface SPARKlink or SPARK connected to the computer Open S
9. 2 The day before beginning the BOD test aerate 1 L of laboratory quality distilled water and bring it to 20 C Suggestion To aerate pour the deionized water into the 2 L bottle cap and shake vigorously Then loosen the cap to allow contact with the atmospheric air Note It is very important that the distilled water used for the dilution water be of high grade and free from contaminants such as copper and chlorine that could inhibit the growth of bacteria For this reason it is recommended that ordinary commercial distilled water for example for use in car batteries not be used 3 Collect at least 1 L of a representative sample of the natural body of water Note If the BODs test will be delayed by more than 2 hours store the sample at 4 C not frozen The BODs test must be started within 48 hours 4 Approximately 1 hour before the BOD bottles are to be set up prepare about 1 L of the BOD dilution medium using the distilled water prepared in Step 2 and prepackaged reagents from retailers that sell water quality testing supplies see the Recommended Reading and Resources section for suggestions according to the manufacturers instructions or using the procedure shown in the table below 5 Store at room temperature in a container that does not have an air tight lid to allow the air dissolved in the medium to equilibrate with the atmospheric air 30 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Preparing the nutrient buff
10. 2001 Nolan B Ruddy K Hitt and D Helsel Nutrients Nattonal Synthesis Project A national look at nitrate contamination of ground water U S Geological Survey Contamination of Ground Waters Available from http water usgs gov nawga wcp index htm l 2000 J Bachman D E Krantz The potential for denitrification of groundwater by coastal plain sediments in the Patuxent River basin Maryland USGS fact sheet fs 053 00 U S Geological Survey Available from http pubs usgs gov fs fs05300 1996 The protection of water against agricultural nitrate pollution England and Wales regulations 1996 Available from http www ops1 gov uk s1 s11996 Uksi_19960888_en_1 htmhapter 7 7 0 html Stream Flow 2006 Monitoring and assessment Stream flow U S Environmental Protection Agency Available from http www epa gov volunteer stream vms51 html 2002 River and stream flow monitoring Department of Ecology State of Washington Available from http www ecy wa gov programs eap flow shu_main html Thermocline 2007 D Panek Understanding the fall turnover and bass www realbass com Avatlable from http www realbass com index php option com_content amp task view amp 1d 37 amp Itemid 34 2003 Temperature of ocean water University Corporation for Atmospheric Research University of Michigan Windows to the Universe Available from http www windows ucar edu tour link earth Water temp html 119 Recommended Reading 1999 The
11. Ayers R S and D W Westcot 1994 Water quality for agriculture Water Quality For Livestock and Poultry FAO Irrigation and Drainage Papers 29 http www fao org DOCREP 003 T0234E T0234E07 htm accessed Sept 28 2010 PASPORT Salinity Sensor Instruction Sheet PASCO scientific 2010 Lardy G and Stoltenow C Livestock and Water AS 954 July 1999 North Dakota State University www ag ndsu edu http www ag ndsu edu pubs ansci livestoc as954w htm accessed Sept 28 2010 Corurgan Water Facts West Corurgan Private Irrigation Stock and Garden Water Supply District NSW ABN 92 793 193 219 http www corurgan com au album2_006 htm accessed Sept 28 2010 74 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Stream Flow What is stream flow Stream flow or discharge is the volume of water that moves over a designated point over a fixed period of time It is often expressed as cubic feet per second ft s or cubic meters per second m s Stream flow is affected seasonally by increasing or decreasing rainfall and by snow melt Stream flow can also be affected by the introduction of debris into the stream beaver dams or vegetation growth or removal When the velocity of the stream changes organisms that are adapted to that stream are affected Additionally stream flow has an effect on other water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen and temperature Calculating stream flow involves solving the following equation Flow A x V
12. Human caused factors that increase turbidity Accelerated eutrophication due to the addition of nutrients to water often through run off from farms golf courses and urban areas Improper cultivation and irrigation practices on farms Clear cutting to the water s edge in watersheds Improperly constructed logging roads Improper disposal of water from mining operations Human caused factors that decrease turbidity Preventative and remedial practices in watersheds such as leaving buffer zones by streams proper construction of logging roads proper cultivation irrigation and mining practices Allowing water to stand undisturbed over a period of time can reduce turbidity for example water impounded in a reservoir allows some of the clay silt and sand to settle out of it Filtration as in water treatment lt Chemical sanitation reducing the growth of suspended organisms What are ideal turbidity values For almost every designated use the less turbid the water the better The standards are highest for drinking water Recommendations may refer to absolute turbidity values or to increased turbidity values over natural baseline values see the following table One exception is that turbid water absorbs pesticides which may be useful in some situations In another exception very low turbidity may indicate water that has insufficient nutrients to support a healthy natural aquatic community Aquatic organism
13. a Z lt 2 m a z L z O l lt 9 O O O M The most common method for measuring BOD is the 5 day BOD method BOD which is a method approved by the U 5 O 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 Environmental Protection Agency EPA for TIME IN DAYS use during regulatory monitoring In the BOD test which uses naturally occurring microorganisms to oxidize the carbonaceous organic matter the change in DO concentration is measured before and after a 5 day period in water samples that are incubated at a specified temperature 20 C 1 C in darkness The BOD test results are reported as mg L DO The BODs method measures most of the carbonaceous stage of the BOD typically about 60 to 70 refer to the figure showing Biological Oxygen Demand This method has been widely adopted as a standard based on historical use and convenience since it 1s usually impractical to wait 20 or more days for the outcome of the test Why measure BOD Biological oxygen demand is an important water quality parameter because it greatly influences the concentration of DO that will be in the water The Q value curve for BOD used in calculating a water quality index illustrates the relationship between BOD and water quality the higher the BOD the lower the water quality with 0 to 2 mg L being associated with high water quality and values greater than 10 mg L being associated with low water quality refer to the BOD Test Results char
14. and organization in living systems behavior of organisms D Earth and Space Science Develop understanding of the structure of the earth system including energy in the earth system geochemical cycles origin and evolution of the earth system origin and evolution of the universe E Science and Technology Develop abilities to design and assess technology Develop understandings about science and technology Develop hypotheses about variations in water quality parameters in a body of water over time at different depths at different locations etc Design investigations using appropriate sensors and test kits to measure parameters and collect data to test the hypotheses Display graphs and tables of data and mathematically analyze variations verifying or nullifying the hypotheses Write reports that clearly and succinctly include the following statement of the problems and related historical information the hypotheses the experimental design the methodologies used to test the hypotheses and analyze the data present the data discuss the data and the significance of the findings as well as an alternative hypotheses that might explain the data and list the references used Using sensors and colorimetric kits explore water quality parameters in two different settings or in a body of water at different times of the year before and after a rain storm or at different locations relative to a point source of pollution Reco
15. at 1 mg L In natural waters low levels of nitrate between 1 and 3 mg L provide adequate nutrients for aquatic life a PER while avoiding eutrophication The EPS has not declared an MCL for nitrate in natural waters since fish are not harmed by high levels of nitrate per se however high levels can contribute to eutrophication and the resulting depletion of dissolved oxygen which can be fatal for fish and other aquatic organisms Additionally as mentioned previously high levels of nitrate may indicate the presence of toxic levels of nitrite that is greater than about 5 mg L for warm water fish and greater than about 0 1 mg L for O 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 salmonid fish As the Q value graph indicates water mg L quality drops off dramatically with increases in If Nitrates gt 100 0 Q 1 0 Q Value ee BEER BEER Li art a ua lc a ca ii le is paa BEE Li la ac iamen ane m au nitrates Further information can be found in the referenced material listed below and in the Recommended Reading and Resources section Measuring Procedure The measuring procedure for nitrate uses the Water Quality Colorimeter and the Nitrate ezSample Test Kit as follows 1 Plug the Water Quality Colorimeter into the data collection system Task Result On some data collection systems a digits display will appear by default for ammonia 2 Calibrate the Water Quality Colorimeter 9 1 Taking
16. gt maximum temperature for embryo survival gt maximum temperature for spawning Water Quality Field Guide 61 Temperature Measuring Procedure Setting up the Temperature Sensor Plug the Temperature Sensor into your data collection system 2 1 Task Result On some data collection systems a digits display will appear by default for temperature Taking measurements 1 Ifrequired for your data collection system begin by building an experiment 22 2 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 23 3 Record the temperature reading 2 4 4 Itis possible to display both Fahrenheit and Celsius values or kelvin When building the data page select two displays and change one display from the default temperature to the temperature of choice 22 References 1 Healthy Water Healthy People Testing Kit Manual 2002 Bozeman Montana The Watercourse International Project WET http projectwet org water resources education water quality education accessed Sept 30 2010 2 Quality Criteria for Water Red Book 1976 Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency 3 Federal Water Pollution Control Administration Temperature and Aquatic life Laboratory Investigations No 6 1967 Cincinnati Ohio Technical Advisory and Investigations Branch 82 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Thermocline What is a thermocline A thermocline sometimes called a metalimnion is a layer within a body o
17. phosphate stimulates excessive plant growth Excessive plant growth in aquatic environments stimulated by excessive nutrient content called accelerated or cultural eutrophication interferes with water use and is considered a nuisance Algal growths impart undesirable tastes and odors to the water interfere with water treatment become aesthetically unpleasant alter the chemistry of the water supply and contribute to the phenomenon of accelerated or cultural eutrophication Eutrophication often leads to anoxic conditions that occur when plant material is broken down by bacteria and the dissolved oxygen is Chart 8 consumed during bacterial respiration Most of the Phosphate Results i eutrophication problems are associated with lakes or reservoirs rather than streams and rivers The impact of phosphate levels on water quality is illustrated by the phosphate Q value curve for determining a water quality index as shown in this graph see also the Water Quality Index section Q Value The Q value curve for phosphate that is used in the calculation of a water quality index illustrates that water quality declines dramatically as the concentration of phosphate increases mes Of all the elements required for aquatic plant growth phosphorus is the most easily controlled and Note If phosphate gt 10 0 Q 2 0 measurement is the first step in that control The presence of high levels of phosphates m
18. where A is the average cross sectional area of the stream stream width multiplied by average water depth ft or m see figure V is the velocity ft s or m s Measuring the cross sectional area TOTAL WIDTH INTERVAL WIDTH ER NS E REF ee ee a ee PP Rm PA A ed A a LS Pa Mel e a ey To measure the cross sectional area 1 Determine the average depth along the transect by marking off with twist ties equal intervals along a string stretched across the stream 2 Measure the depth at each interval 3 Calculate the average depth by adding together the depth measurements and dividing by the number of intervals Note The number of intervals will be the number of depth measurements plus 1 You add 1 to the denominator to account for the 0 depth at the shores In this example you would divide the sum of the 3 measurements by 4 4 Calculate the cross sectional area by multiplying the total width times the average depth 19 Stream Flow Why measure stream flow Stream flow is important because of its impact on water quality and on the living organisms and habitats in the stream Large swiftly flowing rivers can receive pollution discharges and be little affected whereas small streams have less capacity to dilute and degrade wastes Stream velocity which increases as the volume of the water in the stream increases determines the kinds of organisms that can live in the stream some need
19. Soak the conductivity electrode in the beaker of distilled water for 10 minutes APPENDIX D DATASTUDIO TECH TIPS 2 6 3 Plug the Conductivity Sensor into a PowerLink or USBLink and connect the interface to the computer 4 Click Setup 5 In the Experiment Setup window click Calibrate Sensors 6 The first box should read Conductivity Sensor If it does not click the down arrow and select Conductivity Sensor Note If you are using the Water Quality Sensor select Water Quality Sensor in the first box 7 The second box should read Conductivity uS cm If it does not click the down arrow and select Conductivity uS cm 8 Under Calibration Type click the radio button next to 2 Point Adjust Slope and Offset 9 Input the standard reference value for Calibration Point 2 using the keyboard Note Be sure your reference sample 1s at 25 degrees Celsius If not adjust the reference value by 2 for each 1 degree deviation 10 Insert the Conductivity Probe into the standard solution being sure to immerse the holes near the end of the probe 11 When the reading stabilizes click Read From Sensor 12 Click OK Calibrating the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor or Water Quality Sensor Calibration of the DO sensor must be performed at or near the temperature and barometric pressure of the natural water body being tested To find the most accurate reference value you will need the barometric pressure at the test site
20. Some examples of common bleaching substances containing chlorite include sodium chlorite NaClO and magnesium chlorite Mg C10 Hypochlorous acid HCIO or HOCI is swimming pool acid and is used as a bleach and as a disinfectant Why measure chlorine Free chlorine and chloramines are toxic to fish Although free chlorine is slightly more toxic than chloramines the difference in toxicity is not sufficient to merit differentiating between them Thus the toxicity to aquatic life of chlorine depends upon the concentration of total residual chlorine TRC Field studies have shown that total numbers of fish are drastically reduced and 33 Chlorine the stream bottom becomes clear of aquatic organisms downstream from facilities discharging chlorinated sewage effluents Chlorine in its various forms is used to disinfect water to be used as tap water or in industrial processes and it is also used to disinfect sewage However some of these chlorine based disinfectants have been shown to cause cancer and reproductive effects in lab animals suggesting possible similar effects in humans The balance between adequate disinfection by chlorine compounds and adequate protection from the toxicity of chlorine compounds is challenging to achieve and requires close monitoring of levels of these disinfecting substances The EPA has established regulations for the maximum residual disinfectant levels in drinking water for chlorine and several of its
21. Water Quality Field Guide Salinity What is salinity Salinity is a measure of the concentration of dissolved solids in a solution of water There are several ways to express salinity including percent parts per hundred parts per thousand ppt milligrams per liter mg L decisiemen per meter dS m or grams per kilogram g kg The most common way to express salinity is in parts per thousand which is approximately equal to grams of salt per liter of solution and the table below shows the equivalent values for average seawater salinity A salinity measurement 1s markedly different from that of total dissolved solids TDS because it is specific to ionic materials found 3 5 parts per hundred in water Where TDS can include 35 ppt parts per thousand micromolecules of organic compounds as well as salts the measure of salinity only includes Comparison of Units of Salinity for Seawater 35 g kg grams per kilogram of water those ionic compounds that can conduct a 35 000 ppm parts per million current The most common salt in seawater is 35 000 mg L mg per liter sodium chloride NaCl but magnesium chloride MgCl sodium sulfate Na2SOx DD TASS omens Pel mele calcium chloride CaC potassium chloride KCl sodium biocarbonate NaHCO potassium bromide KBr hydrogen borate H3BQ3 strontium chloride SrCl and sodium fluoride NaF are also found Water is considered saline if it contains moderate or
22. You can use a PASCO Barometer Low Pressure Sensor to determine the local barometric pressure or you could call the local weather station to find the barometric pressure being sure to ask for the station pressure not the altimeter or sea level pressure You will also need to know the temperature of the water you will be testing Then you can use an online calculator such as the one provided by Frostburg State University to calculate the 100 saturation value in terms of mg L DO Alternatively you can create your own equations to make the calculation using information from the Internet or from the PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor User Manual You may want to make a table of values that bracket the temperature you expect to find at the test site before heading into the field If you are measuring dissolved oxygen in saline water consult the PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor User Manual This manual contains detailed charts of correction factors for measurements taken at various levels of salinity D 3 APPENDIX D DATASTUDIO TECH TIPS 2 7 10 11 12 Plug the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor into a PowerLink or USBLink and connect the interface to the computer Place approximately 5 mL of deionized water into the soaker bottle of the DO Sensor Click Setup In the experiment setup tab click Calibrate Sensors The first box should read Dissolved Oxygen Sensor If t does not click the down arrow and select Dissolved Oxy
23. analysis is an attempt to simulate by a laboratory test the effect that organic material in a water body will have on the DO in that water body Biochemical oxygen demand values are a measure of food for naturally occurring microorganisms or in other words a measure of the concentration of biodegradable organic material When nutrients are introduced naturally occurring microorganisms begin to multiply at an exponential rate resulting in the reduction of DO in the water The test does not determine the total amount of oxygen demand present since many compounds are not oxidized by microorganisms under conditions of the test There are two stages of decomposition involved in biological oxygen demand BOD a carbonaceous stage and a nitrogenous stage refer to the figure below The typical carbonaceous demand curve A shows the oxidation of organic matter The typical carbonaceous plus nitrogenous demand curve B shows the additional oxidation of ammonia and nitrite The carbonaceous stage or first stage represents that portion of oxygen demand involved in the bacterial conversion of organic carbon to carbon dioxide The nitrogenous stage or second stage represents a combined carbonaceous plus nitrogenous demand when organic nitrogen ammonia and nitrite are converted to nitrate by bacteria a process that also consumes DO Second stage combined carbonaceous plus nitrogen demand curve First stage carbonaceous demand curve
24. and decreased pH levels Under these conditions it can be difficult to determine which factor is harming the aquatic organisms Levels of dissolved CO that are well tolerated by fish vary according to the species For example trout are adversely affected at relatively low levels of dissolved CO whereas catfish can tolerate high levels up to 60 mg L of dissolved CO if the dissolved oxygen levels are high 8 Mobile organisms can move to areas in the water column that have lower dissolved CO concentrations Therefore when deep lakes develop high dissolved CO levels in deeper water during calm conditions mobile organisms can migrate to shallow water to escape to regions with less dissolved COs Further information is available from the references also refer to the Recommended Reading and Resources section 42 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Measuring Procedure The measuring procedure for dissolved carbon dioxide uses the CO ezSample Field Titrator as detailed in the instruction card included with the kit Note If the water is turbid it should be filtered before testing it However for most applications the sediment can be allowed to settle for several hours instead being removed by filtration Note The test range of the dissolved CO ezSample Field Titrator is 10 100 ppm mg L CO2 Because the ampoules in the CO ezSample Field Titrator kit have nonlinear scales the accuracy of these kits varies with the
25. and the other with buffering capacity the pH of the water with no buffering capacity will immediately drop while the pH of the buffered water will change very little or not at all The pH of the buffered solution would change when the buffering capacity of the solution is overloaded Technically the term alkalinity refers to filtered water and the term acid neutralizing capacity ANC refers to unfiltered water but both are measured using the same procedure involving acidimetric titration with a strong acid to a pH of 4 5 Alkalinity is measured in units of ppm or mg L as CaCO3 Alkalinity 1s often related to hardness because one source of alkalinity is carbonate rocks limestone which are mostly CaCO If CaCO actually accounts for most of the alkalinity hardness in terms of CaCO is equal to alkalinity Conversely soft water usually has low alkalinity and little buffering capacity unless the carbonate ions are associated with sodium or potassium ions which do not contribute to hardness So generally soft water is much more susceptible to fluctuations in pH from acid rains or acid contamination For more information refer to the section on Hardness Why measure alkalinity Alkalinity 1s important for fish and other freshwater aquatic life because 1t protects or buffers against rapid pH changes that occur naturally as a result of photosynthetic activity or against acid shock that may occur in spring when acidic snow melts or follow
26. by natural processes may occur by plant uptake mixing and dilution with low nitrate water bacterial activity or consumption in chemical oxidation reduction reactions also known as redox reactions An example of the latter case is denitrification in which the oxygen atoms of the nitrate NO are removed by chemical reduction to produce nitrogen gas N2 which is effectively nonreactive Denitrification occurs in the absence of dissolved oxygen and in the presence of chemically reduced compounds such as organic carbon or iron sulfide minerals such as pyrite FeS Denitrification is usually mediated by bacteria which derive energy from the reaction Marine and estuarine silts and clays commonly contain reduced compounds that can act as a substrate for denitrification In contrast marine sands and fluvial riverine sands and gravels typically contain little organic carbon and are composed primarily of minerals such as quartz that are generally unreactive Technologies that water suppliers use to reduce nitrate concentrations include ion exchange reverse osmosis electrodialysis and distillation 14 What are ideal nitrate values For drinking water the lower the nitrate levels the better The EPA has established a maximum contamination level MCL of 10 mg L of nitrate In other countries the standards for drinking water are higher for example in China the standard is 20 mg L f The EPA established MCL for nitrite is even lower
27. calculate the final BOD value BODs mg L D Da P where Di is the initial DO of the sample Dz is the final DO of the sample after 5 days and Pis the decimal volumetric fraction of sample used For example 1f a sample of 100 mL is diluted to 300 mL then P 100 300 0 33 Note If no dilution was necessary then P 1 0 and the BODs is determined by Di Do More background information More information about biological oxygen demand and its role in water quality may be found in the references listed below with availability information listed in the Recommended Reading and Resources section References 1 G C Delzer McKenzie SW Five Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand In DN Myers FD Wilde editors translator and editor National Field Manual for the Collection of Water Quality Data Vol 7 2 Techniques of Water Resources Investigations Reports U S Geological Survey 1999 2 National Science Foundation Water Quality Index 2004 32 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Chlorine What is chlorine Elemental chlorine is a greenish yellow gas Cl under standard conditions that is highly soluble in water and is poisonous It is a powerful oxidant used in bleaching and disinfectants that reacts readily with many inorgan c substances and all animal and plant tissues When chlorine reacts with the amines in proteins of plants and an mals it denatures them altering their structures and causing enzymes to become inact
28. can be uploading into My World GIS back at school Keep it simple focus each student pair on one or two activities Emphasize the need to develop a story encourage collaboration between student pairs or groups in doing so Measure other aspects of the environment such as temperature humidity barometer rainfall wind insolation light intensity etc and challenge students to incorporate these findings into the overall story Organize a summer school session focused on field experiences A summer session may be the ideal way to teach water quality studies A dedicated course allows you to get students into the field for multiple sequential days in a total immersion experience For example Palmer organized summer sessions that were 2 weeks in length comprising 9 or 10 day trips Because the course involved 10 hour days from 7 a m through 5 p m his students were able to complete a full course of study in the 2 week period The repetition involved was a real confidence builder for students Palmer says and the experience intensified the advantages listed above regarding field studies Additional ideas Have students start a club Allow fundraising to pay for overnight field studies camping at a local water resource and participate in community service and field service opportunities Most communities have some sort of restoration project going on in conjunction with schools National Parks State Park agencies and your loca
29. consult the PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor User Manual This manual contains detailed charts of correction factors for measurements taken at various levels of salinity 1 Connect the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor to the interface SPARKlink or SPARK connected to the computer Open SPARKvue 2 Place approximately 5 mL of deionized water into the soaker bottle of the DO Sensor 3 Click the Dissolved Oxygen reading on the live data page and click Show A 4 Click the Experiment Tools button N Result The Experiment Tools screen opens 5 Click CALIBRATE SENSOR Result The Calibrate Sensor screen opens 6 Touch the Sensor box and select the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor Note If you are using the Water Quality Sensor select Water Quality Sensor from the list 7 In the Measurement box select Dissolved Oxygen mg L Use the 1 Point Adjust Slope Only calibration Click NEXT 9 Adjust the end of the probe such that it 1s just above the top of the water in the soaker bottle 10 Click the Standard Value box Using the keypad enter the value from the solubility table for the temperature of the sample and barometric pressure B 4 APPENDIX B SPARKVUE TECH TIPS 2 7 11 12 13 14 Shake the bottle vigorously for a few seconds and then gently shake off any water clinging to the end of the probe Click the READ FROM SENSOR button Click OK The display will return to the Calibrate Sensor screen Click
30. copper and zinc for fresh water organisms For industrial use the maximum tolerable level of hardness is quite variable see the table below and 1s related to the cost of reducing hardness to the level required for the industrial process Hardness is not a determination of concern for water used for irrigation However the concentration of the cations of calcium and magnesium that comprise hardness are a matter of concern Specific testing for these ions may be necessary when hard water is used for 1rrigation Further information can be found in the referenced material listed below 50 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Maximum hardness levels accepted by industry as a raw water source Industry Maximum Concentration mg L as CaC0 Electric Utilities 5 000 Textile 120 Pulp and paper 475 Chemical 1 000 Petroleum 900 Primary metal 1 000 Requirements for final use within a process may be essentially zero which requires treatment for concentration reduction source EPA Redbook Measuring Procedure The measuring procedure for total hardness involves the Total Hardness ezSample Field Titrator as detailed in the instruction card that is included with the kit Note If the water is turbid it should be filtered before testing it However for most applications the sediment can be allowed to settle for several hours instead being removed by filtration Note The test range of the Total Hardness ezSample Field Titrat
31. experiment you have built will be shown to the left of the screen in the Data menu 2 Click and drag the sensor measurement pH for example to the type of display you want graph for example When you release the measurement a window will appear displaying that measurement in the specified display type 2 3 Putting DataStudio into manual sampling mode 4 Click SETUP 2 In the experiment setup window click Sampling Options 3 Select Keep data values only when commanded 4 If you are going to enter manual data such as keyboard data type the name of the data you will be manually entering in the Name box 5 Click OK Result DataStudio is now ready to record manually sampled data 2 4 Recording a set of manually sampled data If DataStudio is in manual sampling mode complete these steps to record a data set 1 Click Start Result A new data set 1s started and the Start button is replaced by the Keep button When you are ready to record a point click Keep APPENDIX D DATASTUDIO TECH TIPS 2 5 3 If DataStudio prompts you to enter keyboard data you must enter a number not text Repeat as necessary until all data points have been collected A When you have recorded the entire data set click the Stop button Calibrating the Conductivity Sensor or Water Quality Sensor Depending upon your goals the factory calibration of the Conductivity Sensor may be inadequate Conductivity measurements are usually
32. modified WQI for monitoring its natural water bodies that includes the following 9 parameters biological oxygen demand dissolved oxygen E coli bacteria nitrate and nitrite as nitrogen total detected pesticides pH total phosphorus total dissolved solids and total suspended solids These modifications of the original WQI procedure have resulted in a more sensitive and specific assessment of Iowa waters In an additional example Canada uses a WQI that includes 10 parameters as follows dissolved oxygen pH total phosphorus total nitrogen fecal coliform bacteria arsenic lead mercury 2 4 D and lindane In a final example the United States state of Oregon uses a WQI that includes the following 8 parameters ammonia plus nitrate nitrogen biochemical oxygen demand dissolved oxygen E coli bacteria pH temperature total phosphorus and total solids Although a detailed discussion of the procedure for calculating a WQI is beyond the scope of this field guide some of the cited references provide detailed procedures such as the National Science Foundation web site refer to the Recommended Reading and Resources section PASCO s measuring tools can be used in the particular WQI determination your group has chosen to use Remember that careful standardized calibration procedures are critical to the usefulness and reliability of a WQI Further information is available from the references which can be found in the Recommended Re
33. photos Species list Sketches of the site organisms etc Start small and leave lots of room between ideas to grow Packing for the trip Some suggested equipment for your field trip Data collection systems fully recharged sensors test kits Student notebooks Water sampling device refer to the section below on Water Sampling Equipment Plastic ample storage bottles with caps For samples to be brought back to the school lab for testing Ice chest and ice for storing collected water samples GPS Position Sensor Wading boots Seining or kick nets for collecting macroinvertebrates Telescoping poles for long reach sampling away from the bank Binoculars Field microscope Camera extra batteries extra film if necessary Digital camera or camcorder Sunscreen Mosquito repellent Water bottles Non perishable snacks First aid kit with pocket knife 106 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Extra clothing if contact with water is anticipated Y Rain gear if needed Follow tried and true on site strategies Some suggestions for managing students in the field include the following lt Make a base to bring samples back for testing analyzing If samples can be brought back to school lab do it For multiple outings get into a packing routine Establish the clean up routine for coming off the field lt Use a GPS Position Sensor to enable mapping of data to increase its meaning for students data
34. probe 12 Touch the READ FROM SENSOR button 13 Touch OK The display will return to the Calibrate Sensor screen A 5 APPENDIX A SPARK SCIENCE LEARNING SYSTEM TECH TIPS 2 7 14 Touch OK to return to the Experiment Tools screen Touch OK again to return to the experiment Calibrating the pH Sensor or Water Quality Sensor You will need buffer solutions of pH 4 and pH 10 and deionized water 1 2 10 11 12 13 14 15 Plug the pH Sensor into the SPARK Touch the pH reading on the live data page and touch Show Touch the Experiment Tools button ouc e Exp utton Result The Experiment Tools screen opens Touch CALIBRATE SENSOR Result The Calibrate Sensor screen opens Touch the Sensor box and select the pH Sensor Note If you are using the Water Quality Sensor select Water Quality Sensor from the list Select pH from the Measurement box Use the 2 point Adjust Slope and Offset calibration Touch NEXT Place the pH probe into the pH 4 buffer solution and wait for about 1 minute Under Calibration Point 1 touch Standard Value and enter 4 the pH of the buffer solution Under Calibration Point 1 touch Read From Sensor Result The Standard Value and Sensor Value for Point 1 will be filled with the standard value 4 and the reading from the sensor respectively Rinse the probe with deionized water Place the pH probe into the pH 10 buffer solution and wait for about
35. special care Note Because of the calculations involved in the ammonia calibration curve the calibrated value may not be exactly 0 but may be approximately 0 However the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter will nevertheless produce values within the accuracy range listed in the instruction sheet for the Ammonia ezSample Snap Vial Note All calibration readings are stored in flash memory inside the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter When you unplug the Water Quality Colorimeter and reconnect it the Water Quality Colorimeter retains the last calibration reading However since it is possible the calibration button may be inadvertently pushed it 1s important for the most reliable results to do the calibration procedure immediately before taking the measurement D 6 APPENDIX D DATASTUDIO TECH TIPS 3 2 Note A blinking red light on the Calibration button means either a the dark count is too high stray light is entering the ampoule holder or b the sensor measurement is out of range The blinking red light turns off when the reading is within the normal range Calibrating the Turbidity Sensor 1 Place a cuvette filled with distilled water in the turbidity sensor and close the lid Press the Calibration button on the sensor Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is in progress When the light starts blinking replace the cuvette with the standard 100 NTU cuvette included with the sensor
36. temperature Temperature is the physical property of a system that underlies the common notions of hot and cold something that 1s hotter has greater temperature Temperature arises from the random microscopic motions of the atomic and subatomic constituents of matter because of their kinetic energy Temperature 1s related to the average energy of these microscopic motions Temperature is measured with thermometers that may be calibrated to a variety of temperature scales The scientific community uses Celsius and the thermodynamic absolute temperature scale kelvin In common usage in some countries 1s the Fahrenheit scale Why measure temperature The temperature of water affects the way people use water and the abilities of aquatic organisms to live grow and reproduce Temperature s a catalyst a depressant an activator a restrictor a stimulator a controller and a killer and it is one of the most important and influential water quality characteristics for life in water 3 Since nearly all aquatic organisms are cold blooded the temperature of the water regulates their metabolism and ability to survive and reproduce effectively Temperature affects the ability of water to hold dissolved oxygen see the section on dissolved oxygen for more information The temperature of the water regulates the species composition and activity of aquatic life in any location For example one study showed that diatoms predominated in temper
37. typically found in tap water are lethal to fish and many other aquatic organisms Regarding freshwater fish salmonids salmon and trout are the most sensitive and sticklebacks and bluegill are more resistant to the toxicity of chlorine Among freshwater invertebrates snails daphnia and rotifers are quite sensitive and crayfish are more resistant The most sensitive forms exhibit signs of toxicity at very low concentrations For example the LC50 concentration that was lethal for 50 of the population for a rotifer tiny freshwater invertebrate was found to be 13 ug L 13 parts per billion of total residual chlorine TRC and juvenile Coho salmon exhibited a reduced growth rate when exposed to 11 ug L 11 parts per billion of TRC Even more resistant species have been reported to be adversely affected at relatively low concentrations For example crayfish which are considered one of the more resistant organisms were found to have an LC50 of 31 ug L when exposed for 365 days because this length of exposure included molting stages at which the crayfish are most sensitive to chlorine Note that these lethal concentrations of TRC are more than 100 to 2000 times more dilute than the regulated level for tap water as discussed below The US EPA has established criteria for levels of chlorine that are protective of salmonids and other aquatic life and chlorine is regulated in the EPA drinking water standards The basic criteria and standard
38. used to provide an estimate of total dissolved solids TDS or to ascertain whether an additional more specific measurement of a particular ion is needed If calibration is required you will need a conductivity standard in the approximate range and at the same temperature as that of the unknown solution you will be testing Obtaining a conductivity standard You can make your own conductivity standard solutions or you can purchase them from a supply company such as Hach Company or Cole Parmer For most purposes a standard solution that you make will be sufficient However for high accuracy measurements use a commercially prepared and standardized solution appropriate to your measuring situation See the Preparation of standard solutions table below Preparation of standard solutions weight Mass of NaCl TDS ppm or Conductivity approx mg mg L uS cm at 25 C 0 001 10 10 21 4 0 01 100 100 210 0 1 1000 1000 1 990 1 0 10 000 10 000 17 600 10 0 100 000 100 000 140 000 Put the mass of NaCl that will yield a conductivity value close to the range you will be measuring into a 1 L flask Add 500 mL of distilled water and stir until dissolved Then bring the volume to 1 L with distilled water Materials Required Conductivity standard Small beakers 3 Wash bottle 1 Distilled water Calibrating the sensor 1 Place a sample of distilled water into a beaker and a sample of standard solution into another beaker 2
39. 0 1 9 7 9 2 9 0 8 7 8 4 8 0 7 1 7 4 15 10 1 9 8 9 4 9 1 8 7 8 4 8 1 7 8 7 5 1 2 6 9 6 6 20 9 2 8 8 8 5 8 2 7 8 7 6 7 3 7 0 6 7 6 5 6 2 6 0 25 8 3 8 0 7 7 7 4 7 1 6 9 6 6 6 4 6 1 5 9 5 6 5 4 30 7 6 7 3 7 1 6 8 6 5 6 3 6 0 5 8 5 6 5 4 5 1 4 9 35 7 1 6 8 6 5 6 3 6 0 5 8 5 6 5 4 5 1 4 9 4 7 4 5 Quality Criteria for Water Red Book 1976 Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency G C Delzer and S W McKenzie Five Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand in National Field Manual for the Collection of Water Quality Data D N Myers and F D Wilde Editors 1999 U S Geological Munson B R Axler C Hagley G Host G Merrick and C Richards Dissolved Oxygen Why Is It Important Water on the Web Monitoring Minnesota Lakes on the Internet and Training Water Science Technicians for the Future A National On line Curriculum using Advanced Technologies and Real Time Data 2004 University of Minnesota Duluth National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index 48 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Hardness What is hardness Water hardness is caused by metal cations that are dissolved in water mainly those of calcium Ca and magnesium Mg but also those of aluminum Al barium Ba iron Fe Fe manganese Mn Mn strontium Sr and zinc Zn when these are present in appreciable concentrations The
40. 0 210 0 1 1000 1000 1 990 1 0 10 000 10 000 17 600 10 0 100 000 100 000 140 000 Put the mass of NaCl that will yield a conductivity value close to the range you will be measuring into a 1 L flask Add 500 mL of distilled water and stir until dissolved Then bring the volume to 1 L with distilled water Materials Required Conductivity standard Small beakers 3 Wash bottle 1 Distilled water APPENDIX A SPARK SCIENCE LEARNING SYSTEM TECH TIPS 2 6 Calibrating the sensor 1 10 11 12 13 14 15 Place a sample of distilled water into a beaker and a sample of standard solution into another beaker Soak the conductivity electrode in the beaker of distilled water for 10 minutes Plug the Conductivity Sensor into the SPARK Touch the Conductivity reading on the live data page and touch Show Touch the Experiment Tools button Result The Experiment Tools screen opens Touch CALIBRATE SENSOR Result The Calibrate Sensor screen opens Touch the Sensor box and select the Conductivity Sensor Note If you are using the Water Quality Sensor select Water Quality Sensor from the list Select Conductivity uS from the Measurement box Use the 1 Point Adjust Slope Only calibration Touch NEXT Touch the Standard Value box Using the keypad type in the standard reference value uS cm that corresponds to that of the reference sample you are using Note Be sure your reference sa
41. 00 saturation or less Not salmon or trout Many species can live for short periods of time at lower levels 46 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Water that has a DO concentration greater than 100 is termed supersaturated Supersaturation with DO can be a symptom of eutrophication that 1s enrichment with nutrients such that algae and other plant life are stimulated to grow rapidly with photosynthesis causing large amounts of O to be released into the water Since this rapid growth is followed by large scale death and decay once the nutrients are used up supersaturated waters can rapidly become deficient in DO or even anaerobic causing fish kills and allowing the growth of anaerobic bacteria that excrete noxious or malodorous gases Water that is supersaturated with DO is less desirable as drinking water because the supersaturated water is corrosive to pipes Q value curve of dissolved oxygen saturation levels used in calculating a water quality index Q Value Chart 2 The Q value curve for DO that was established by Dissolved Oxygen Results the National Sanitation Foundation for their water quality index determination procedure illustrates that water that is significantly supersaturated with DO is as undesirable as water that low in DO concentration The higher the Q value the better the water quality More background information More information about dissolved oxygen and its Saturation role in water quality
42. 25 2 mg L ppm 0 12 pH units 0 20 8 mg L ppm 1 55 ppt 1 000 100 000 uS cm 0 3 5 m s 35 C 135 C or 10 C 50 C or 35 C 135 C 0 10 5 m 346 ft 0 100 C O 100 000 uS cm 0 5 55 ppt 1 000 100 000 uS cm 0 400 NTU 113 Ordering Information Additional Measurement Sensors Global Position PASPORT GPS Sensor PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter to use with the ezSample kits Requires the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter Standard solutions available from PASCO Item pH Sensor pH Buffer Set pH 4 7 and 10 Turbidity Sensor Replacement 100 NTU Cal Standard For additional information and to order visit our Web site www pasco com Note For additional information and to order visit our Web site www pasco com 114 PS 2829A Recommended Reading Resources Water Quality Field Guide Recommended Reading General Water Quality Methods and Standards Variously dated National field manual for the collection of water quality data U S Geological survey techniques of water resources investigations 9 Chaps Al A9 Available from http water usgs gov owq FieldManual 2006 Water science for schools U S Geological Survey USGS 2006 Available from http ga water usgs gov edu index html 2006 Drinking water contaminants U S Environmental Protection Agency Available from http www epa gov safewater mcl html sec 2006 WaterWatch Current wate
43. 9 0 0 790 5 72 0 442 Chronic criteria for temperatures greater than 16 C are the same as for when early life stages are present 24 PS 2829A Teacher Information U S EPA acute criteria for ammonia NH3 H20 NHa maximum allowed for fish mg N L pH Salmonids Present Salmonids Absent 6 5 32 6 48 8 7 0 24 1 36 1 7 5 13 3 19 9 8 0 5 62 8 4 8 5 2 14 3 2 9 0 0 885 1 32 Measuring Procedure The measuring procedure for ammonia uses the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter and the Ammonia ezSample Test Kit Setting up the Water Quality Colorimeter 1 Plug the Water Quality Colorimeter into the data collection system 2 1 Task Result By default two ammonia readings will become available one for low range ammonia readings Ammonia L and one for high range ammonia readings Ammonia H 2 Calibrate the Water Quality Colorimeter Taking an Ammonia Measurement SAFETY PRECAUTIONS lt Wear safety glasses and protective gloves Y Review the MSDS for each of the Ammonia ezSample reagents and have them available for reference 1 Follow the included Test Procedure instructions for the Ammonia ezSample Test Kit for sample preparation Steps 1 through 6 Note If ammonia is present in the sample a blue or cyan color will develop after the 15 minute incubation period If the color after 15 minutes 1s yellow or gold there is no appreciable ammonia present in the test sample and results should be reporte
44. A Maximum weekly average temperatures for various fish species for various life processes Temperature C F Species Maximum For Growth For Embryo For Spawning Tolerated Survival Atlantic salmon 23 73 20 68 7 45 5 41 Bigmouth buffalo 27 81 17 63 Black crappie 27 81 Bluegill 35 95 32 90 34 93 25 77 Brook trout 24 75 19 66 3 55 9 48 Carp 33 91 21 70 Channel catfish 35 95 32 90 29 84 27 81 Coho salmon 24 75 18 64 13 55 10 50 Emerald shiner 30 86 28 82 24 75 Freshwater drum 26 79 21 70 Lake herring Cisco 25 77 17 63 8 46 3 37 Largemouth bass 34 93 32 90 27 81 21 70 Northern pike 30 86 28 82 9 66 11 52 Rainbow trout 24 75 19 66 13 55 9 48 Sauger 25 77 21 70 10 50 Smallmouth bass 29 84 17 63 Smallmouth buffalo 21 70 17 63 Sockeye salmon 22 72 18 64 3 55 10 50 Striped bass 24 75 18 64 Treadfin shad 34 93 18 64 White bass 26 79 17 63 White crappie 28 82 23 73 18 64 White sucker 28 82 20 68 10 50 Yellow perch 29 84 20 68 12 54 As calculated using the formula specified by the EPA in the Red Book As reported from field observations and reported in the EPA Red Book means not calculated or observed Note In general the maximum tolerated temperature gt maximum temperature for growth
45. C become progressively less dense until ice is formed This last factor is fundamental to the turnover of the water column that occurs in the fall and spring As winter approaches the temperature of the surface water will drop until it approaches 4 C about the same as the temperature below the thermocline When the entire body of water 1s at or close to 4 C fall turnover begins the thermocline disappears or rather it reaches the 83 Thermocline surface and the water from the bottom of the lake can mix freely with the water from the top This process is aided by wind or any other force that agitates the water As the water mixes dissolved oxygen 1s carried to the bottom and nutrients from the bottom are carried to the top of the water column In Arctic and Antarctic waters and along some deep coastlines this effect also known as upwelling enriches surface nutrients and produces blooms of phytoplankton making these very rich and diverse ecosystems Since ice is even less dense than water at 0 C ice that forms on the surface stays there insulating the liquid water underneath from the cold air temperatures Thus liquid water is maintained under the ice even though the surface air temperatures may be well below 0 C In the spring as the surface warms the ice melts When the surface water reaches 4 C the free mixing of water occurs again resulting in the spring turnover Dissolved oxygen and nutrients are again distrib
46. Calibrate the Water Quality Colorimeter 9 1 Taking an iron measurement SAFETY PRECAUTIONS s lt Wear safety glasses and protective gloves e Review the MSDS for each of the Iron ezSample reagents and have them available for reference 1 Follow the included Test Procedure instructions for the Iron ezSample Test Kit for sample preparation 54 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide 2 Ifrequired for your data collection system begin by building an experiment Otherwise set the display to show iron measurements 2 3 3 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 923 4 Place the prepared test ampoule in the Water Quality Colorimeter and cover it with the black cap Note Handle the ampoule by the tip and wipe the outside glass lens clean with a non abrasive cleaning tissue Task Result The iron reading will automatically appear in the display There may be slight fluctuations so wait until the reading settles around a point 5 Record the iron reading 24 Note The units mg L and ppm parts per million are equivalent Disposal of the test vial 1 The ampoules may contain very low levels of potentially toxic substances see the MSDS so check with your local regulatory agency regarding disposal procedures 2 Carefully pour the test water down the drain Shake the glass tip remaining in the sample cup into the solid waste container 3 Thoroughly rinse the sample cup with deionized or dis
47. Industrial Textile mill products 50 200 Paper products 75 150 Chemical products 500 Petroleum refining 500 Metals industry 200 Food canning 300 Bottled and canned soft drinks 85 20 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Measuring Procedure The measuring procedure for total hardness involves the Alkalinity ezSample Field Titrator kit as detailed in the instruction card that 1s included with the kit The ezSample Field Titrator 1s shown below Note If the water is turbid it should be filtered before testing it However for most applications the sediment can be allowed to settle for several hours instead being removed by filtration Note The test range of the Alkalinity ezSample Field Titrator 1s 10 100 ppm mg L CaCO3 Because the ampoules in the Alkalinity ezSample Field Titrator kit have nonlinear scales the accuracy of these kits varies with the analyte concentration At the low end of the test range the accuracy is 5 At the high end of the range the accuracy falls to 20 Note If your test result is at the maximum of the test range dilute the sample with distilled water and re test then make the correction for the dilution For example dilute 10 mL of sample with 10 mL of distilled water and then multiply the test result by 2 for the final concentration References Further information can be found in the referenced material listed below refer to the Recommended Reading and Resources section for more avail
48. O A EAS AAA een 45 What 1S disso led omy Se 1 7 2 see einen 45 Why measure dissolved 0x PEN ee A A ehe 45 What factors altect dissolved Oxy SEN di 46 Whatare ideal dissolved oxygen Valles tula rd 46 Messur ne ro cdt ds 47 Haran SS aa 49 Whal shardnes a 49 Why measure hardness ss a 49 WhHattactors attect hardnessvalues na EEE 50 What are ideal hardness Valles ti da 50 Measuring Procedure rn a aaa ee 51 Is Si O robe 99 What 1818007 seele 53 W TA TL ST Be Ton ects e Po O PR En Un II IS 53 What taetors ditectiron levels ass 54 W Hat ave ideslaronvalues A ricota aa aa 54 Measuring Proeedure nn a N en ee ee 54 Iron ezSample Test Kit Accuracy resolution and PDL mg L occoocnnncnnnccnnncnnnonnnccnonononcnnnacnnnonanonnnns 55 NTC ae eta ete a tals ect oc Redcat RE recreate a la clase ea octets S 57 Whac enitrate A II IN ee ee O acdenieeds 57 Way measure METALE eta A A EA PG AE AA laa weeded nen 57 Whatlaclorsaffeet nitrate Valles sd iaa 58 Wiat are ideal nitrate Vales eins 59 Measur ns Eroccdire is 59 j m PAIE EEE EA EE EN S PE A S PA OEE MERETET EL PATE NER EAE WESER elles eaten atone EE VERA 63 Wiat io DIT eieren a N 63 WA mea tre lo fr a A ee ee A edel 63 Whatiactorsaltect a a sn es a sees 64 Whatare deal pH alles a 64 Measures Procedure toon tes ladle Ta E 65 POS VAC S AAEE E ass aes bese leeches E aid 67 Whats Prosperidad dd iaa 67 Wily measure POS PRIEST ee 67 What factors affect phosphate values ooonc
49. OK to return to the Experiment Tools screen Click OK again to return to the experiment Calibrating the pH Sensor or Water Quality Sensor You will need buffer solutions of pH 4 and pH 10 and deionized water 1 10 11 12 13 14 Connect the pH Sensor to the interface SPARKlink or SPARK connected to the computer Open SPARKvue Click the pH reading on the live data page and click Show N A Result The Experiment Tools screen opens Click the Experiment Tools button Click CALIBRATE SENSOR Result The Calibrate Sensor screen opens Click the Sensor box and select the pH Sensor Note If you are using the Water Quality Sensor select Water Quality Sensor from the list Select pH from the Measurement box Use the 2 Point Adjust Slope and Offset calibration Click NEXT Place the pH probe into the pH 4 buffer solution and wait for about 1 minute Under Calibration Point 1 click Standard Value and enter 4 the pH of the buffer solution Under Calibration Point 1 click Read From Sensor Result The Standard Value and Sensor Value for Point 1 will be filled with the standard value 4 and the reading from the sensor respectively Rinse the probe with deionized water Place the pH probe into the pH 10 buffer solution and wait for about 1 minute Under Calibration Point 2 click Standard Value and enter 10 the pH of the buffer solution Under Calibration Point 2 click Read From Sensor
50. PARKvue 2 Touch the salinity reading on the live data page and touch Show A 3 Touch the Experiment Tools button Result The Experiment Tools screen opens 4 Touch CALIBRATE SENSOR Result The Calibrate Sensor screen opens Touch the Sensor box and select the Salinity Sensor Select Salinity from the Measurement box Use the 1 point Adjust Slope Only calibration Touch NEXT ONO OF Place the salinity probe into the 35 ppt sodium chloride solution and wait for about 1 minute 9 Under Calibration Point 1 touch Standard Value and enter 35 ppt 10 Under Calibration Point 1 touch Read From Sensor A 7 APPENDIX A SPARK SCIENCE LEARNING SYSTEM TECH TIPS Result The Standard Value and Sensor Value for Point 1 will be filled with the standard value 35 ppt and the reading from the sensor respectively 11 Rinse the probe with deionized water 12 Touch OK The display will return to the Calibrate Sensor screen 13 Touch OK to return to the Experiment Tools screen Touch OK again to return to the experiment Additional Sensor Calibrations On board Calibration 3 1 Calibrating the Water Quality Colorimeter 1 Plug the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter into the data collection system 2 1 and turn on the system By default two ammonia readings will become visible one for low range ammonia readings Ammonia L and one for high range ammonia readings Ammonia H 2 Insert the a
51. Science Learning System Tech TIPS ooocccncncnccnnncnnncnnnocnnncnnnonnnornnncnnnocnnncnanonanocnnnonos A 1 Appendix Be SAR Tech e B 1 Appendix Ce Xplorer GEX Decana dad C 1 Appendix D DataStudio Tecos dd D 1 Introduction Water Quality Field Guide Introduction Welcome to the Water Quality Field Guide Reference Manual Dear Instructor Hands on water quality studies are motivational for students of all ages and levels of science education From elementary school through college water quality studies and activities can be conducted such that students learn both basic science concepts such as measuring hypothesis testing data analysis and documenting and reporting and concepts specific to environmental studies such as interrelationships of factors in the biosphere seasonal and regional variability and impacts on the environment of human activity and technology The water quality sensors and ezSample test kits combined with PASCO data collection systems as well as the ezSample Field Titrator kits are powerful sensitive accurate and easy to use tools for measuring water quality parameters The purpose of this field guide is to provide you with all the background reference information and procedural instruction needed to use these tools in a meaningful way in teaching and hands on learning about environmental water quality Sincerely Korey Champe Earth and Environmental Sciences Education Manager PASCO S
52. To avoid errors when calibrating or measuring do not use the Water Quality Colorimeter around bright lights Press the green Calibration button on the Water Quality Colorimeter Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is 1n progress Wait for the green light to turn off and then remove the calibration ampoule To check your calibration reinsert the calibration ampoule and cover it with the black cap The value should be approximately 0 If it is not repeat the calibration with special care Note Because of the calculations involved in the ammonia calibration curve the calibrated value may not be exactly 0 but may be approximately 0 However the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter will nevertheless produce values within the accuracy range listed in the instruction sheet for the Ammonia ezSample Snap Vial Note All calibration readings are stored in flash memory inside the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter When you unplug the Water Quality Colorimeter and reconnect it the Water Quality Colorimeter retains the last calibration reading However since it is possible the calibration button may be inadvertently pushed it is important for the most reliable results to do the calibration procedure immediately before taking the measurement C 7 APPENDIX C XPLORER GLX TECH TIPS 3 2 Note A blinking red light on the Calibration button means elther a the dark count 1s too high stray light 1s en
53. Water Quality Field Guide PASC C Copyright 2010 by PASCO scientific All rights reserved Permission granted to reproduce the material contained herein on the condition that such material be reproduced only for classroom use and can be provided to students teachers and families without charge Any other reproduction for use or sale is prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher ezSample MultiMeasure Sensor and other marks shown are registered trademarks of PASCO scientific in the United States All other marks not owned by PASCO scientific that appear herein are the property of their respective owners who may or may not be affiliated with connected to or sponsored by PASCO scientific All rights reserved Published by PASCO scientific 10101 Foothills Blvd Roseville CA 95747 7100 800 772 8700 916 786 3800 916 786 8905 fax WWW pasco com ISBN 987 1 886998 18 6 Printed in the United States of America Part Number 012 11719A Catalog Number PS 2829A Contents Introduction ie eier ia vii Using PASCO s water quality measuring technologies an OVerVIeW ooccoocnoncnnnccnononcncnnnocnnnononcnnnccnanonanoso 2 Integrating water quality field studies into curricula across the grade levels ooccooooncnnnnoncnnnonosm o 2 Correlation of National Science Content Standards and suggested water quality testing activities AEEA IATA AI a E o N EE E A nenne E EN EE E E AEE 4 Cor
54. a is only part of a complete water quality investigation The analysis of the data and the cataloging of information should also be part of a large scale study In some cases the analysis of the data can be accomplished by comparing it to national standards or by graphing changes over time or depth In other cases the study of daily weekly or yearly fluctuations will yield more information about water quality as w ll mapping the data to look at spatial relationships Mapping water quality data begins with locating the sample site and transferring the data to a map Cataloging the data requires that the information be entered into a spreadsheet or a database for further analysis The combination of GPS and GIS can accomplish all of these goals The PASPORT GPS Position Sensor uses signals received from the Global Positioning System GPS to determine its latitude longitude and altitude anywhere on earth It is designed to be used alone or in conjunction with the data collected from other PASPORT sensors Whenever it is powered on the GPS Position Sensor continuously receives data from GPS satellites even if data is not being recorded by the data collection system When sampling the data collection system will collect data from all the sensors plugged into the interface as well as from the GPS Position Sensor Data can be collected continuously or as manual samples In addition to collecting sensor data you can also time stamp your data for c
55. a nitrate measurement SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Wear safety glasses and protective gloves 99 Nitrate Review the MSDS for each of the Nitrate ezSample reagents and have them available for reference 1 Follow the included Test Procedure instructions for the Nitrate ezSample Test Kit for sam ple preparation 2 Ifrequired for your data collection system begin by building an experiment Otherwise set the display to show Nitrate measurements 9 2 3 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 923 4 Place the prepared test ampoule in the Water Quality Colorimeter and cover it with the black cap Note Handle the ampoule by the tip and wipe the outside glass lens clean with a non abrasive cleaning tissue Task Result The nitrate reading will automatically appear in the display There may be slight fluctuations so wait until the reading settles around a point 5 Record the nitrate reading 24 Note The units mg L and ppm parts per million are equivalent Disposal of the test vial 1 The ampoules may contain very low levels of potentially toxic substances see the MSDS so check with your local regulatory agency regarding disposal procedures 2 Carefully pour the test water down the drain Shake the glass tip remaining in the sample cup into the solid waste container 3 Thoroughly rinse the sample cup with deionized or distilled water Accuracy resolution and practical detection limit PDL N
56. ability information l Alkalinity and Stream Water Quality 2006 Wilkes University Center for Environmental Quality Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences Healthy Water Healthy People Testing Kit Manual 2002 Bozeman Montana The Watercourse International Project WET Quality Criteria for Water Red Book 1976 Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency National field manual for the collection of water quality data U S Geological Survey Techniques of Water Resources Investigations Vol 9 variously dated Chaps A1 A9 U S Geological Survey 21 Water Quality Field Guide Ammonia What is ammonia Ammonia is a pungent colorless gaseous alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen that is highly soluble in water When ammonia dissolves in water some of the ammonia reacts with the water to form ammonium ions A chemical equilibrium is established that contains un ionized ammonia NH3 ionized ammonia NH4 and hydroxide ions OH as shown in the following equation NH H20 NH H50 NH OH In this equation NH represents ammonia gas NH H20 represents the un ionized ammonia molecule that is loosely attached to water molecules through hydrogen bonding and the ionized form of ammonia is represented as NH Because ionization of NH has a pK value of about 9 3 NH is the dominant chemical form in natural waters For example at a pH of 8 5 and temperature of 25 C only ab
57. ading and Resources section References 1 Brown R McClelland N Deininger R Tozer R A Water Quality Index Do We Dare Water and Sewage Works 1970 339 43 2 National Science Foundation Water Quality Index 2004 3 Delzer GC McKenzie SW Five Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand National Field Manual U S Geological Survey 1999 4 Why a Water Quality Index Water Fact Sheet 2006 8 Iowa City IA Iowa Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey 2006 5 Saffran K Cash K Hallard K Neary B Wright R Water Quality Index 1 0 User s Manual Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment CCME 6 Oregon Water Quality Index Methodology Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 2006 15 Parameter and Measurement Information Water Quality Field Guide Alkalinity What is alkalinity Alkalinity is the water s capacity to resist changes in pH that would make the water more acidic This capacity is commonly known as its buffering capacity the capability of water to neutralize acid A buffer is a solution to which an acid can be added without changing the concentration of available H ions without changing the pH appreciably The components of the buffer absorb the excess H ions and protect the water body from fluctuations in pH refer to the section on pH for additional background For example if you add the same weak acid solution to two vials of water both with a pH of 7 but one with no buffering capacity
58. analyte concentration At the low end of the test range the accuracy is 5 At the high end of the range the accuracy falls to 20 Note If your test result is at the maximum of the test range dilute the sample with distilled water and re test then make the correction for the dilution For example dilute 10 mL of sample with 10 mL of distilled water and then multiply the test result by 2 for the final concentration References 1 Hargreaves J Brunson M Carbon Dioxide in Fish Ponds Southern Regional Aquaculture Center SRAC Publication No 468 1996 2 Ford P Water Column Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide OzEstuaries Geoscience Australia 2006 3 Volcanic Lakes and Gas Releases U S Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory 2001 4 Ross R Krise W Redell L Bennett R Effects of Dissolved Carbon Dioxide on the Physiology and Behavior of Fish in Artificial Streams Environ Toxicol 2001 16 84 95 5 Dissolved Gases Water on the Web 2004 6 Catfish Water Quality Mississippi State University Extension Service 2006 43 Water Quality Field Guide Dissolved Oxygen What is dissolved oxygen Dissolved oxygen DO is simply oxygen gas O2 that is dissolved in water When an oxygen gas molecule encounters a water molecule the polar water molecule induces a weak dipole on the oxygen gas molecule thus the oxygen molecule becomes weakly attracted to the water molecule forming a weak bond that holds the ox
59. and close the lid Press the button again Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration 1s in progress When the light turns off the calibration process is complete D 7
60. are outside the stated test ranges The lower limit of the stated test range is the practical detection limit PDL defined as the lowest concentration at which less than 30 error is routinely obtained For the Ammonia ezSample Test Kit the range accuracy PDL and resolution are shown on the table below Note If your test result is at the maximum of the test range dilute the sample with distilled water and re test then make the correction for the dilution For example dilute 10 mL of sample with 10 mL of distilled water and then multiply the test result by 2 for the final concentration Ammonia ezSample Test Kit accuracy resolution and PDL mg L Range Accuracy PDL Resolution 0 1 low 0 05 0 05 0 01 1 3 high 0 1 1 0 1 References 1 U S Environmental Protection Agency 1999 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia 1999 2 U S Environmental Protection Agency Quality Criteria for Water 1986 Gold Book 1986 U S Environmental Protection Agency 3 U S Environmental Protection Agency Quality Criteria for Water Red Book 1976 Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency 26 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Biological Oxygen Demand What is biological oxygen demand BOD Biological oxygen demand BOD also known as biochemical oxygen demand s a bioassay procedure that measures the dissolved oxygen DO consumed by bacteria from the decomposition of organic matter The BOD
61. asa a ERSS V ERSS PARIT Degrees Celsius much chlorine to disinfect it than water that is 20 C 2 More information is known about the upper temperature limits for various species than is known for the lower limits Different upper limits apply to the various life processes of fish with the upper limits for reproduction being lower than those for growth or survival for examples see the table below Aquatic organisms can tolerate short periods of temperatures higher than those that are desirable to them and the mobile forms can migrate to areas with more suitable temperatures The number and distribution of bottom dwelling benthic organisms decrease as water temperatures increase with the upper tolerance limit for a balanced benthic population structure being approximately 32 C 2 It is known that a large assortment of organisms dwell in extremely hot environments such as thermal pools and ocean floor volcanic vents called black or white smokers These organisms have adapted to extreme temperatures Through the natural changes in climatic conditions the temperatures of water bodies fluctuate daily as well as seasonally These changes do not eliminate indigenous aquatic populations but they affect the existing community structure and the geographical distribution of species Such temperature changes are necessary to induce the reproductive cycles of aquatic organisms and to regulate other life factors 80 PS 2829
62. ater absorbs solar radiation causing increased temperatures in the surface water and the formation of a thermal layer with the reduced mixing in the water column This causes lower levels of dissolved oxygen at the bottom of the water column Turbidity can cause unsafe swimming conditions hiding submerged objects and hindering rescue efforts 91 Turbidity Highly turbid water used for irrigation can clog pipes coat the ground with a water impermeable layer and coat leaves impeding photosynthesis stunting growth and causing aesthetic problems on leafy green vegetables Sediment from turbid waters fills and clogs irrigation reservoirs and channels Measuring turbidity is an easy reliable way to monitor the effectiveness of preventative or remedial measures to combat erosion In one study turbidity was used as an indicator to demonstrate the effectiveness of leaving a 100 foot area next to a stream uncut during the clear cutting of a watershed In another study turbidity was monitored over several years to demonstrate the effectiveness of improved irrigation procedures on the lower Yak ma River n Washington State Detrimental effect of excessive turbidity by designated use Designated Use Detrimental Effect Drinking water Requires more chlorine to sanitize aesthetically unpleasant Swimming recreation Hides submerged objects hinders rescue efforts more likely to contain pathogens and requires more chlorine to sanitize aest
63. ater containing cleaning agents made from carbonate and bicarbonate as well as residues from some food substances can increase alkalinity On the other hand other human activities such as some mining operations and operating combustion engines add large amounts of acid to natural waters which use up the chemicals that produce alkalinity resulting in lower alkalinity In situations where this results in very low alkalinity levels carbonate in the form of limestone CaCQ3 is sometimes added to the water to increase alkalinity to protective levels What are ideal alkalinity values Insufficient alkalinity results in harmful decreases in pH when acid is added to water while too much alkalinity can be harmful to humans aquatic organisms plants and industrial processes because of its corrosive effects High alkalinity up to 400 mg L CaCO3 is not considered detrimental to humans but is associated with high pH values hardness and high levels of dissolved solids High alkalinity waters may also have a flat unpleasant taste The table below lists some examples of minimum and maximum levels of alkalinity by designated use A general rule of thumb for natural waters is that total alkalinity should not allow the pH to exceed 9 or be less than 5 Minimum and maximum alkalinity levels for various water usages mg L as CaCO Designated Use Minimum Maximum Tap water 400 Fresh water organisms 20 Marine organisms 25 Irrigation 600
64. atic plants they are removed from the water When the plants decompose some of the phosphates are released into the water again through bacterial catabolism However much of the phosphates in decomposing plant matter settles to the bottom becomes consolidated with other material on the bottom and is bound permanently so it will not recycle into the system with the net effect of a reduction in phosphate levels in the water What are ideal phosphate values Most relatively uncontaminated lakes are known to have surface waters that contain from 0 03 to 0 09 mg L phosphate However in lakes or reservoirs phosphate levels as low as 0 08 mg L may stimulate excessive or nuisance growths of algae and other aquatic plants during the spring when nutrients are cycling to the surface Streams or other flowing water are somewhat less susceptible to accelerated or cultural eutrophication so a desired goal for them is a concentration of phosphate of less than 0 3 mg L In areas where streams enter lakes or reservoirs the desired phosphate level is less than 0 15 mg L However it should be kept in mind that phosphates in streams and rivers may end up in a lake or reservoir downstream Phosphate is not regulated by the U S EPA because it is not toxic to humans or animals and it is not considered a nuisance chemical in drinking water Further information is available from the references below or from the Recommended Reading and Resources section M
65. ation technologies on improved human health e g the role of Louis Pasteur in developing the germ theory of disease the role of epidemiologists John Snow and William Farr in understanding the cause of the 1849 cholera epidemic in London e the role of environmentalists in identifying documenting and creating social changes regarding acid rain and its harmful effects e current concerns regarding global warming and its effects on water temperatures and levels and consequences for plants animals and humans set in the context of historical climate changes e g ice ages dinosaur age etc e the role of satellites and global information systems on monitoring water quality Introduction Table 3 Correlation of National Science Content Standards and suggested water quality testing activities grade levels 9 through 12 Content Standard Example Activities A Science as Inquiry Develop abilities to do scientific inquiry Use appropriate tools for measuring and recording and analyzing data Develop understandings about scientific inquiry B Physical Science Develop understanding of e structure of atoms e structure and properties of matter e chemical reactions motions and forces conservation of energy and increase in disorder interactions of energy and matter C Life Science Develop understanding of the cell molecular basis of heredity biological evolution interdependence of organisms matter energy
66. ations and other uses which causes dramatic reductions in DO concentrations What are ideal dissolved oxygen values The EPA states that natural waters should contain sufficient dissolved oxygen to maintain aerobic conditions in the water column and except as affected by natural phenomena at the sediment water interface For freshwater aquatic life the minimum requirement is for 5 mg L for maintenance of good fish populations with some fish such as salmon requiring higher levels especially for embryonic and young forms These forms exist in the silt and gravel at the bottom of the waterway so higher levels of DO are needed to penetrate into these areas for adequate oxygenation Although adult aquatic animals often can live for short times at much lower levels of DO they do not grow and thrive at these low levels DO concentrations can be expressed both in mg L or ppm and as percent of saturation The water quality indices use percent saturation as a standard with 100 being most desirable see the Q value figure below Desirable dissolved oxygen DO values by designated use Designated Use DO Value Maintenance of good fresh water fish populations 5 5 mg L or higher minimum 5 mg L Maintenance of salmonids salmon trout 6 mg L or higher minimum 5 mg L Supporting reproduction and early life stages of 9 mg L or higher minimum 8 mg L salmonids Supporting diverse invertebrate life 5 mg L or higher Drinking water 1
67. atural waters and a Secondary Drinking Water Standard of 1 mg L The European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission recommended in 1964 that iron concentrations not exceed 1 0 mg L in waters to be managed for aquatic life Dissolved iron 0 32 mg L has been shown to be toxic to mayflies stoneflies and caddisflies which are all important foods for fish Iron was found to be toxic to carp at 0 9 mg L when the water had a pH of 5 5 Iron concentrations of 1 to 2 mg L were shown to be lethal to pike and trout In an iron polluted Colorado stream neither trout nor other fish were found until the waters were diluted or the iron had precipitated to effect a concentration of less than 1 0 mg L even though the other water quality constituents measured were suitable for the presence of trout There is no EPA Primary Drinking Water Standard for iron since dissolved iron is not toxic but rather produces an objectionable taste when the Secondary Drinking Water Standard 1 mg L 1s exceeded As previously mentioned iron appreciably affects the taste of beverages at levels of 1 8 mg L in spring water and at 3 4 mg L in distilled water Measuring Procedure The measuring procedure for iron uses the Water Quality Colorimeter and the Iron ezSample Test Kit as follows 1 Plug the Water Quality Colorimeter into the data collection system 2 1 Task Result On some data collection systems a digits display will appear by default for ammonia 2
68. atures from 20 C to 25 C green algae predominated at 25 C to 30 C and blue green algae predominated at 30 C to 35 C A few degrees elevation in average monthly temperature can appreciably alter the species composition of an aquatic community through changes in inter species relationships Each species has a favored range of water temperatures for 1ts various life processes for examples see the table below2 Although aquatic organisms can become acclimated to slow natural changes in water temperature rapid unnatural changes such as those caused by industrial thermal pollution or large cool water releases from dams can be lethal for them even in the temperature range that organisms can tolerate under natural conditions Thus for aquatic life the rate and amount of change in temperature is as important as the present temperature of the water What factors affect temperature Natural influences on water temperature include the ambient air temperature evaporation solar radiation water depth flow rate and the amount of mixing in the water column Examples of man made influences include the practice of clear cutting to the water s edge release of heated water from industrial applications and release of cold impounded water into streams One study showed clear cutting the forest around a stream resulted in a 7 8 C change in temperature from 13 9 C to 21 7 C but leaving a 100 foot buffer region of uncut vegetation along t
69. ay indicate a point source of pollution that could be better managed 67 Phosphate What factors affect phosphate values Phosphate comes originally from phosphate rock or phosphorite a non detrital sedimentary rock The phosphate rock beds lie within a few feet of the surface and mining 1s accomplished by use of hydraulic water jets and a washing operation that separates the phosphate from waste materials a process similar to strip mining Runoff from such operations can cause elevations in aquatic phosphate levels Phosphates are present in human and animal waste including bird guano so untreated sewage causes increases in phosphate levels Phosphate detergents used to be significant sources of aquatic phosphate but environmental concerns have prompted the development of nonphosphate containing laundry detergents Nevertheless some phosphate cleaners and other domestic chemical preparations containing phosphate are still in use and can enter natural waters through urban runoff Some industries such as potato processing have wastewaters high in phosphates Crop forest urban and idle land contribute varying amounts of phosphates from surface runoff of rainfall effluent from drainage pipes or return flow from irrigation Fertilizers cattle feedlots concentrations of domestic duck or wild duck populations tree leaves and fallout from the atmosphere are all contributing sources Once phosphates are consumed by algae and other aqu
70. biological tissues and even to inorganic substances such as metal pipes While pH is an important factor in the reactivity of materials 1t 1s not the only factor Nevertheless even very small changes in pH and certainly rapid changes in pH can upset the balance in a water system Why measure pH pH values of common solutions Solution Hydrochloric acid concentrated Stomach acid Lemon juice Vinegar Cola Grapefruit juice Acid rain Natural rain Milk Pure deionized water Sea water Baking soda Milk of magnesia Household ammonia Sodium hydroxide concentrated pH Value 0 0 1 0 3 0 2 2 2 4 2 4 3 4 2 6 3 0 3 2 4 0 5 5 5 6 6 2 6 3 6 7 7 0 7 0 8 3 8 4 10 5 11 9 13 0 14 0 pH is an important component of water quality affecting the solubility of metals and other substances including nutrients Extremely low and high pH values are incompatible with life for a variety of reasons that include potentiating harmful levels of certain metals such as cadmium and mercury and promoting corrosion of living tissues pH is a component of the Water Quality Index and the EPA has adopted a secondary standard for pH regarding drinking water 63 pH What factors affect pH The carbonate system which is composed of carbon dioxide CO2 carbonic acid H gt CO bicarbonate ion HCOz7 and carbonate ion CO3 is the principle system that regulates pH in natural waters Therefore photosy
71. bring the volume to 1 L with distilled water APPENDIX B SPARKVUE TECH TIPS Materials Required Conductivity standard Wash bottle Small beakers 3 1 Distilled water Calibrating the sensor 1 10 11 12 13 14 15 Place a sample of distilled water into a beaker and a sample of standard solution into another beaker Soak the conductivity electrode in the beaker of distilled water for 10 minutes Connect the Conductivity Sensor to the interface SPARKlink or SPARK connected to the computer Open SPARKvue Click the Conductivity reading on the live data page and click Show A Click the Experiment Tools button Result The Experiment Tools screen opens Click CALIBRATE SENSOR Result The Calibrate Sensor screen opens Click the Sensor box and select the Conductivity Sensor Note If you are using the Water Quality Sensor select Water Quality Sensor from the list Select Conductivity uS from the Measurement box Use the 1 Point Adjust Slope Only calibration Click NEXT Click the Standard Value box Using the keypad type in the standard reference value uS cm that corresponds to that of the reference sample you are using Note Be sure your reference sample 1s at 25 degrees Celsius If not adjust the reference value by 2 for each 1 degree deviation Insert the Conductivity Probe into the standard solution being sure to immerse the holes near the end of the p
72. ch as the one provided by Frostburg State University to calculate the 100 saturation value in terms of mg L DO Alternatively you can create your own equations to make the calculation using information from the Internet or from the PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor User Manual You may want to make a table of values that bracket the temperature you expect to find at the test site before heading into the field If you are measuring dissolved oxygen in saline water consult the PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor User Manual This manual contains detailed charts of correction factors for measurements taken at various levels of salinity 1 Plug the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor into the Xplorer GLX 2 Place approximately 5 mL of deionized water into the soaker bottle of the DO Sensor 3 From the Home screen press to open the Sensors screen Note If you have more than one sensor connected use the arrow keys to select the appropriate sensor across the top of the GLX screen 4 Press again to open the Sensors menu 5 Using the arrow keys select Calibrate and press V 6 The first box should read Dissolved Oxygen Sensor If it does not press the Q button until it appears 7 The second box should read Dissolved Oxygen mg L If it does not press the X button until it appears 8 Using the arrow keys select the Pt 2 Standard Value box and press V 9 Using the keypad enter the value from the solubility table for the temperat
73. cientific Introduction Using PASCO s water quality measuring technologies an overview The water quality parameters that can be measured using PASCO s technology are listed in Table 1 The sensors and ezSample test kits can be used with all of PASCO s data collection systems and can be interfaced directly to a computer running PASCO s DataStudio or SPARKvue M software Data collection system refers to the data collection display and analysis device used to carry out the various PASCO Water Quality Field Guide activities These include PASCO s DataStudio the Xplorer GLX SPARKvue and SPARK Science Learning System In some cases a sensor extension cable facilitates the connection between the data collection system and the sensor Finally the ezSample field titrator kits do not involve electronic sensing or electronic data collection In addition to these technologies PASCO s GPS global positioning system Sensor can be incorporated into water quality studies enabling students to participate in global information system GIS activities This field guide has been written for use with all of PASCO s data collection systems The actual instructions for the technical procedures referred to as Tech Tips are in the appendix that corresponds to the PASCO data collection system being used for the activity The Tech Tip number at the end of a technical step 1s used to locate that Tech Tip in the appropriate appendix Integ
74. conccnnccnnocnnoccnnncnnocnnnrcnnaconoconnrcnnnrnnnrnnnrcnnacnnarnnnocnnaronorcnnccnnacnnns 68 What are ideal phosphate values ya ee leanne ee peace eon eens 68 Measar ms Procedure ne AA A 68 DANN A no ers ee 71 WAU VS SAYS AA IA AA AAA 71 Why measure say ee er A ad 71 What tac ore alrect Salinity Vales ee sic 72 What redesir blelevels Osa DIN A AAA 73 Measunns Pr cedure sans see ee be 13 E NN 75 Whats lid 75 Why Measure stream HOW ie a a r leere a 76 What faetors affeet stream flow Valles ui ana sadensadenastsgasacatadoue caddsaacagidene tdaashembntsanedes 76 Whatare deal stream Tow valles deidad 76 Measuris Procede adios 76 emperatriz 79 WALLS TOMA a a Add 79 Why measure temperature c ccccccccccseccseccencccseccssccencceseceesceencceneceeeceenceaseceeeceenceaneseeeceenceeeceectenceeneseees 79 What factors atiect temperature ee 79 What are ideal temperature Values onconnconnccncnocnnnnnnnnnnncnnnnnnnnnncnnrcnnnnnoconcnonnnnoconnnnnnnnnconnnnncnnacanccnncnninon 80 Measurino Procede A AAA A AR 82 Ehe TTA OC IN a ae RE 83 Whab s thermochne BEE E A 83 Why measure thermoclines ccccccccccssscccsscccseccccsccccnscccuscseusceeensceescseusceeecseeucescusesesceeeceeeesesesesenscss 83 What fact rs affeet thermochines saci A AA Pins a es eee 83 What are ideal thermocline Values ooncccccnnnooonncnnnnnononononnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnonnnnncnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnanoss 84 Measures 85 Total Disso
75. contain very low levels of potentially toxic substances see the MSDS so check with your local regulatory agency regarding disposal procedures Carefully pour the test water down the drain Shake the glass tip remaining in the sample cup into the solid waste container Thoroughly rinse the sample cup with deionized or distilled water Accuracy resolution and practical detection limit PDL The accuracy of the Phosphate ezSample Test Kit is 10 at 75 of full scale range Accuracy may be compromised if test results are outside the stated test ranges The lower limit of the stated test range is the practical detection limit PDL defined as the lowest concentration at which less than 30 error is routinely obtained For the Phosphate ezSample Test Kit the range accuracy PDL and resolution are shown on the table below Phosphate ezSample Test Kit Accuracy resolution and PDL mg L Range Accuracy PDL Resolution 0 1 low 0 05 0 05 0 01 1 8 high 0 1 1 1 Note If your test result is at the maximum of the test range dilute the sample with distilled water and re test then make the correction for the dilution For example dilute 10 mL of sample with 10 mL of distilled water and then multiply the test result by 2 for the final concentration References 1 Quality Criteria for Water Red Book Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency 1976 2 National Science Foundation Water Quality Index 2004 69
76. contaminate drinking water are potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate both of which are widely used as fertilizers The United States Environmental Protection Agency determined that about 112 million pounds of nitrate were released into the waterways from 1991 to 1993 1 Nitrates have a high potential to migrate to ground water since they are very soluble and do not bind to soils Factors that can contribute to high levels of nitrates in ground water include high nitrogen input well drained soils and less extensive woodland relative to cropland Because nitrates do not evaporate nitrates are likely to remain in the water until consumed by plants or other organisms People who draw their water from shallow wells in high risk areas see map are UL RR especially vulnerable Probability that nitrate exceeds 4 mg L a O O 0 7 nda More than 43 million people in the United 47 33 This map shows locations where the probability of ma so 7 Nitrate exceeds 4 mg L in shallow ground waters of States are served by self supplied domestic EE 57 53 the U S based on a new logistic regression model water systems and almost all 98 percent m of this water comes from ground water Ground water also is the source of water for about 90 million people who are served by public water supply systems Nitrate from both natural sources and human activities 1s possibly the most prevalent contaminant in ground water and can persist in shallo
77. count for higher TDS concentrations Of all of these influences the temperature of the water affects conductivity and thus the measurement of total dissolved solids the most Increased temperatures cause ions to move more quickly the probe reads this increase in activity as a higher concentration of ions Conductivity measurements should be taken at 25 C or a temperature compensation factor must be applied to the measurement The conductivity reading of pure water can rise as much as 4 55 for every 1 C deviation from 25 C while the reading of NaCl solutions rises 2 12 The Conductivity Sensor has a built in calculation to compensate for the change in conductivity due to temperature changes If the Salinity Sensor is used the compensation factor must be applied to the measurement What are desirable levels of total dissolved solids TDS is most important to water quality when it concerns designated uses and has been listed by the EPA as a secondary ground water and drinking water contaminant Secondary contaminants cause aesthetic technical and cosmetic effects Water high in total dissolved solids may have an unpleasant taste odor or color and may also have a laxative effect beyond the tolerance level High levels of TDS will also cause corrosion and mineral deposits in pipes causing some industries to lower their maximum allowable levels Normal and maximum TDS levels vary with the use and the source TDS Levels mg L Des
78. ction Agency 2002 3 The Protection of Water against Agricultural Nitrate Pollution England and Wales Regulations 1996 English and Welsh Governments 1996 4 Quality Criteria for Water 1986 Gold Book U S Environmental Protection Agency 1986 5 Bachman L J and D E Krantz The Potential for Denitrification of Ground Water by Coastal Plain Sediments in the Patuxent River Basin Maryland USGS Fact Sheet FS 053 00 U S Geological Survey 2000 6 Domagalski J Z Xinquan L Chao Z Deguo F L Chi X Kaitai et al Comparative Water Quality Assessment of the Hai He River Basin in the People s Republic of China and Three Similar Basins in the United States USGS Professional Paper 1647 National Water Quality Assessment Program U S Geological Survey 2001 7 Hitt K and B Nolan Nitrate in Ground Water Using a Model to Simulate the Probability of Nitrate Contamination of Shallow Ground Water in the Conterminous United States USGS Scientific Investigations Map 2881 U S Geological Survey 2005 8 Nolan B B Ruddy K Hitt and D Helsel A National Look at Nitrate Contamination of Ground Water Contamination of Ground Waters U S Geological Survey 2001 9 Evans S More on the Nitrogen Cycle Ammonia Nitrite and Nitrate The Tropical Tank www thetropicaltank co uk Updated September 20 2010 http www thetropicaltank co uk cycling2 htm Accessed September 29 2010 61 What is pH Water Quality Field G
79. d as 0 mg L 2 Ifrequired for your data collection system begin by building an experiment Otherwise set the display to show both Ammonia measurements 22 3 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 923 4 Place the prepared test ampoule in the Water Quality Colorimeter and cover it with the black cap Note Handle the ampoule by the tip and wipe the outside glass lens clean with a non abrasive cleaning tissue Task Result The ammonia reading will automatically appear in both displays Ammonia H and Ammonia L There may be slight fluctuations so wait until these settle around a point 5 Record the ammonia reading 9 24 If the value is greater than 1 0 the high range reading Ammonia H should be used otherwise use the low range reading Ammonia L 25 Ammonia Note The units mg L and ppm parts per million are equivalent Disposal of the test vial 1 The ampoules may contain very low levels of potentially toxic substances see the MSDS so check with your local regulatory agency regarding disposal procedures 2 Carefully pour the test water down the drain Shake the glass tip remaining in the sample cup into the solid waste container 3 Thoroughly rinse the sample cup with deionized or distilled water Accuracy resolution and practical detection limit PDL The accuracy of the Ammonia ezSample Test Kit is 10 at 75 of full scale range Accuracy may be compromised if test results
80. due to temperature change based on the Practical Salinity Scale PSS What factors affect salinity values Like conductivity salinity is determined by the concentration of ions in solution and the mobility of those ions Warmer water has a higher ability to dissolve more salts than cooler water thus saltier water can be found often in tropical regions However there are a number of other factors that contribute to the salinity concentration of ocean waters Evaporation in these areas is high due to the amount of solar energy emitted over these waters The fresh water in these tropical oceans evaporates while the salts are left behind causing an increase in salinity Factors That Cause an Increase in Salinity Factors That Cause a Decrease in Salinity Evaporation of fresh water concentrates salts left behind Large river systems emptying into the ocean Runoff from roadbeds that have been salted to remove ice Periodic releases of reservoir water Warmer water temperatures allow more salt to be carried in Cooler water temperatures allow less salt to be held in solution solution Accumulation of sea ice leaves seawater saltier Melting of sea ice reduces salinity concentration Rainfall if the soil runoff leaches salts Rainfall if the soil runoff does not leach salts Why then are some of the most saline waters found off the coast of northern Canada Multiple areas off the coast of northern Canada have salinity concentrations of up to 41 5 ppt L
81. e some ideas for simple activities that will help you and your students get started and gain confidence using the sensors and test kits 1 Test one or two parameters in a variety of drinking water samples Collect drinking water students can help from as many sources as possible including your tap water well water water from neighboring communities that might draw their drinking water from a different source than your community or that might have a different chlorination or fluoridation policy than your community bottled mineral water several types if possible bottled distilled water carbonated water Collect two samples from two different locations that seem likely to show some differences to compare the values for one or two of the following conductivity chlorine lt fluoride dissolved carbon dioxide iron if your community is one with appreciable iron in the water pH lt total hardness 2 Test one or two parameters in a variety of swimming pool waters If your community has a number of swimming pools collect water students can help from several of them Test one or two of the following that seem likely to show some differences alkalinity chlorine conductivity dissolved oxygen s p H 108 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide phosphate Y total hardness 3 Compare conductivity total hardness and total dissolved solids In a sample of wate
82. e the pH probe into the pH 4 buffer and wait for the reading to stabilize The reading is indicated under Present Sensor Measurement Enter the pH value of the buffer in this case 4 into the Standard Value box for Calibration Point 1 Then click Read From Sensor Rinse the probe with deionized water and place 1t into the pH 10 buffer solution Wait for the reading to stabilize Enter the pH value of the buffer in this case 10 into the Standard Value box for Calibration Point 2 Then click Read From Sensor Click OK Calibrating the Salinity Sensor You will need a 35 ppt sodium chloride solution and deionized water 1 11 12 13 Plug the Salinity Sensor into a PowerLink or USBLink and connect the interface to the computer Click Setup Click the Calibrate Sensors tab The first box should read Salinity Sensor If 1t does not click the down arrow and select Salinity Sensor The second box should read Salinity ppt If it does not click the down arrow and select Salinity ppt Under Calibration Type click the radio button next to 1 Point Adjust Slope Only Place the Salinity probe into the standard solution and wait for the reading to stabilize The reading is indicated under Present Sensor Measurement Enter the salinity concentration of the standard into the Standard Value box for Calibration Point 1 Then click Read From Sensor Result The Standard Value and Sensor Value for Point 1 will be filled
83. e with deionized water Using the arrow keys scroll down and select Pt 2 Press Q and enter 10 the pH of the buffer solution Press to read Pt 2 Result The Standard Value and Sensor Value for Point 2 will be filled with the standard value 10 and the reading from the sensor respectively Press OK to exit the Calibration screen Press to return to the Home screen Creating a Coordinate Marker using the GPS Sensor 1 2 3 Connect the GPS Sensor to the Xplorer GLX From the Home screen press D to open the Graph Press CD to open the Tools menu Using the arrows select the Coordinate Marker tool and press V C 5 APPENDIX C XPLORER GLX TECH TIPS 2 9 5 6 7 A small window will appear Enter the latitude and longitude into the boxes Note Latitude and longitude must be in decimal degrees and must be represented as negative or positive as opposed to a directional representation north south east and west A hash mark will appear on the graph This is your coordinate marker Begin collecting data As you walk around your data set will be in the same scale and on the same graph as your coordinate marker You can use this as a reference to return to that point later from any location Calibrating the Salinity Sensor You will need a 35 ppt sodium chloride solution and deionized water 1 2 8 9 Connect the Salinity Sensor to the Xplorer GLX From the Home screen press to op
84. eaningful comparisons to test values obtained using the EPA approved BODs procedures are needed It is intended for use with natural water bodies not treated sewage effluent The following assumptions which are reasonable for most natural water bodies and typical classroom lab conditions apply to this procedure there is an adequate population of aerobic bacteria in the test water there are no toxins in the test water test equipment or dilution water that would prevent these bacteria from growing and multiplying the pH of the test water is between 6 5 and 7 5 there is a negligible amount of nitrogenous material dissolved in the test water and the ambient room temperature is about 20 C and does not vary appreciably 29 Biological Oxygen Demand Modified BOD procedure for the classroom Materials List em ty Plastic lab bottle with screw top 1 L Dark plastic or glass lab BOD bottle with air tight top 300 mL Graduated cylinder 100 mL Graduated pipet Wash bottle containing deionized water Waste container The Water Quality MultiSensor may also be used Note If you are making your own nutrient dilution solution from scratch you will also need the chemicals listed in the table below a mass scale and weighing supplies Preparation for the BOD test 1 Prior to the procedure ensure that all equipment has been thoroughly cleaned and rinsed including final rinses with deionized water and is dry
85. easuring Procedure The measuring procedure for phosphate uses the Water Quality Colorimeter and the Phosphate ezSample Test Kit as follows 1 Plug the Water Quality Colorimeter into the data collection system 2 1 Task Result On some data collection systems a digits display will appear by default for ammonia 2 Calibrate the Water Quality Colorimeter 9 1 68 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Taking measurements SAFETY PRECAUTIONS lt Wear safety glasses and protective gloves e Review the MSDS for each of the Phosphate ezSample reagents and have them available for reference Follow the included Test Procedure instructions for the Phosphate ezSample Test Kit for sample preparation If required for your data collection system begin by building an experiment Otherwise set the display to show Phosphate measurements 2 2 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 23 Place the prepared test ampoule in the Water Quality Colorimeter and cover it with the black cap Note Handle the ampoule by the tip and wipe the outside glass lens clean with a non abrasive cleaning tissue Task Result The phosphate reading will automatically appear in the display There may be slight fluctuations so wait until the reading settles around a point Record the phosphate reading 21 Note The units mg L and ppm parts per million are equivalent Disposal of the test vial 1 The ampoules may
86. ed by wastewater treatment procedures What are ideal BOD values As shown on the BOD Q curve the less the BOD value the better High BOD levels will result in anoxic conditions with the resulting growth of anaerobic microorganisms that produce noxious gases and cause the death of aerobic aquatic organisms In the case of wastewater the larger the drop in BOD following treatment procedures the better The regulated level of wastewater effluents depends on local conditions Overview of the two procedures for the 5 day BOD BOD test About the official procedure The procedure specified by the United States Geological Survey for the BOD test is done in the laboratory and 1s quite complex to perform and difficult to control for reliable results Among the considerations for a reliable test are the following The water sample must be obtained in a fashion such that it is representative of the larger water body lt The test must be initiated within 2 hours of collecting the water sample or the sample must be refrigerated 4 C for up to 48 hours before initiating the BODs test lt Special BOD bottles that minimize the accidental introduction of oxygen or nutrients must be used Glassware and pipets must be scrupulously cleaned with a non phosphate detergent and with multiple rinses with distilled or deionized water to avoid introducing nutrients or toxins 28 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide An aquarium pump tubi
87. en the Sensors screen Note If you have more than one sensor connected use the arrow keys to select the appropriate sensor across the top of the GLX screen Press again to open the Sensors menu Using the arrow keys select Calibrate and press D O The first box should read Salinity Sensor If it does not press the Q button until it appears The second box should read Salinity ppt If it does not press the Q button until it appears Using the arrow keys highlight Pt 2 ppt and press Q Input the standard reference value using the keypad Insert the Salinity Probe into the standard solution Press and read Pt 2 when the reading stabilizes 10 Press OK to exit the Calibration screen Press to return to the Home screen APPENDIX C XPLORER GLX TECH TIPS Additional Sensor Calibrations On board Calibration 3 1 Calibrating the Water Quality Colorimeter 1 Plug the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter into the data collection system 2 1 and turn on the system By default two ammonia readings will become visible one for low range ammonia readings Ammonia L and one for high range ammonia readings Ammonia H Insert the ammonia ezSample snap vial calibration ampoule into the ampoule holder and cover it with the black cap Be sure to cover the ampoule completely with the cap Note Handle the ampoule by the tip and wipe the outside with a clean non abrasive cleaning tissue Important
88. end to stay where the most dissolved oxygen 1s which 1s typically at the top of a thermocline when one 1s present in a lake Bass are less frequently found below the thermocline where there 1s less dissolved oxygen In the open ocean the thermocline has been important in submarine warfare because 1t can reflect active sonar This is possible because cold and warm water columns have different refractive indexes causing the same effect that can be observed when hot air rises off the tarmac at alrports or desert roads producing mirages Scuba divers may encounter thermoclines and see the visual distortion they produce If a thermocline is present in a water body it is necessary to collect water samples from above it and below to understand the water quality of the entire body of water What factors affect thermoclines The principle factors that cause thermoclines to form are the following Sunlight can only penetrate and heat the top of a water column and the amount of heat from sunlight delivered to the water is inversely proportional to the depth Wind and wave action cause the surface of the water column to mix and become relatively uniform in temperature rather than slowly declining in temperature as would be expected if the water was perfectly still whereas water at greater depth 1s not affected by wind and waves and lt The cooler the water the denser it is down to 4 C however temperatures of liquid water lower than 4
89. er dilution solution Solution Procedure Calcium chloride CaClz solution Dissolve 27 5 g of CaCl in deionized water and dilute to 1 L Ferric chloride FeCl3 solution Dissolve 0 25 g of FeCl3 6H20 in deionized water and dilute to 1 L Magnesium sulfate MgSO solution Dissolve 22 5 g of MgSO4 7H20 in deionized water and dilute to 1 L Phosphate buffer solution Dissolve 8 5 g of KH2PO4 21 8 g of KHPOa 33 4 g of Na2HPO4 7H20 and 1 7 g of NH4Cl in about 500 mL of deionized water Dilute to 1 L Nutrient buffer dilution solution To 1 L of the aerated deionized water prepared in Step 2 add 1 mL of each of the 4 solutions above and mix well maximum contamination level MCL of either chloramines or free chlorine Conducting the BOD test 1 Saturate the test water with air by pouring 1 L of it into a 2 L bottle capping and shaking vigorously Allow this water to sit undisturbed with the cap off until the air bubbles dissipate and the water temperature is the same as the room temperature about 20 C If necessary tap the container gently to dislodge air bubbles from the sides and bottom Using a Dissolved Oxygen Sensor that has just been calibrated 28 and a data collection system measure the DO in the test sample and record this value Note This value should be approximately that of 100 DO saturation Pour about 50 mL of the nutrient buffer dilution solution into each of the BOD bottles that will contain diluted test
90. er quality problems It causes significant problems no matter what the designated use see the table on detrimental effects of excessive turbidity below Turbidity is regulated under the EPA s Primary Drinking Water Standards and it is of such concern that daily measurement is required for treated drinking water Turbidity indicates a possible presence of contamination with pathogenic organisms Turbid water is more difficult to sanitize since suspended matter provides areas for the pathogens that are sheltered from the sanitizing chemicals such as chlorine Turbidity resulting from eutrophication or the presence of high levels of nutrients such as nitrates may progress to anoxic water that supports the growth of anaerobic bacteria with the resultant release of noxious or malodorous gases Chart 9 Turbidity Turbidity blocks the penetration of sunlight through the water resulting in reduced plant and algae growth and reduced dissolved oxygen concentrations and food sources for fish and other organisms The large amounts of silt and clay in some turbid water settle on the bottom blocking bottom dwelling organisms eggs and developing embryos and larvae from essential O 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 a al dissolved oxygen causing their death The suspended solids can clog or damage fish gills suffocating them Q Value ba IV CA AS Note If Turbidity gt 100 0 Q 5 0 Turbid w
91. eria 2 13 Plants algae rooted etc 6 5 12 Carp suckers catfish some insects 6 10 Bass bluegill crappie 6 5 9 5 Snails mussels clams 7 10 Trout mayfly nymphs stonefly nymphs caddisfly larvae 6 5 8 5 Normal pH values of sea water are 8 0 to 8 2 at the surface decreasing to 7 7 to 7 8 with increasing depth Some marine communities are more sensitive to pH changes than others with plankton and bottom dwelling invertebrates being generally more sensitive than fish Marine communities in shallow biologically active waters in tropical or subtropical areas can tolerate or adapt to the large diurnal changes in pH ranges from pH 7 3 to pH 9 5 in a day that occur because of photosynthetic activity However mature and larval forms of oysters may be adversely affected by values as low as pH 6 5 or as high as pH 9 5 2 Unnatural rapid changes in pH can be harmful Even if the pH is in the desirable range for a given use a rapid change that is not part of the naturally occurring variation can be harmful to organisms Small changes in pH can cause large shifts in metallic complexes such as those of copper zinc cadmium aluminum and lead which may affect the toxicity of these metals For example the pH should not be changed more than 0 2 pH units outside of the naturally occurring variation in deep ocean waters Therefore when monitoring pH the change in pH over time or throughout an area is an important consideration Measuring Pr
92. erved during El Ni o years limits the amount of nutrients brought to shallower depths by upwelling processes greatly impacting the year s fish crop 84 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Measuring Procedure Setting up the Thermocline Sensor Plug the thermocline sensor into your data collection system 2 1 Task Result A choice of measurements for the thermocline sensor appears Calibration note It is not necessary to calibrate the thermocline sensor Taking measurements 1 Ifrequired for your data collection system begin by building an experiment 9 22 2 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 23 3 Insert the thermocline probe into the water 4 Record the thermocline reading 924 More background information More information about thermoclines and its role in water quality may be found in the references listed below also refer to the Recommended Reading and Resources section References 1 Department of Atmospheric Sciences Thermocline 1999 University of Illinois Weather World 2010 Project http ww2010 atmos uiuc edu Gh wwhlpr thermocline rxml accessed Sept 30 2010 2 D Panek Understanding the Fall Turnover and Bass 2007 http realbass com index php option com_content amp view article amp id 37 3 Aunderstanding the fall turnover and bass amp catid 21 3Afall bassing amp Itemid 34 accessed Sept 28 2010 3 University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Temperature of Ocean Wate
93. es from industrial processes using ammonia water In addition to the contribution of total ammonia levels to the toxic NH levels the concentration of NH3 1s dependent upon pH with increasing concentrations at increased pH levels because of the equilibrium relationship among NH3 NH and OH Temperature also affects the concentration of NH3 which increases with increasing temperature Ionic strength is also a factor that influences the concentration of NH3 with slightly decreased concentration associated with increased salinity for dilute saline concentrations Nitrifying bacteria e g Nitrosomonas sp and Nitrobacter sp convert ammonia to less toxic nitrite NOS and then to nitrate NO3 which is considered nontoxic at levels less than 90 mg L for warm water fish a level that rarely occurs in nature Thus these bacteria are important factors in reducing ammonia levels reducing its toxicity in natural waters as well as in aquaria and cultivated fish tanks 23 Ammonia What are ideal ammonia values It is generally agreed that in natural aqueous environments the less ammonia the better The EPA has established regulations regarding maximum ammonia concentrations in terms of total ammonia nitrogen per liter mg N L for fish in natural water bodies Values for both acute and chronic exposure are stated These regulations are divided according to species with and without salmonids and according to whether early life
94. extension cable to attach the sensor to the data collection system Hold er the pole or stick at the other end and extend the pole over the body of Il water as far as you can reach Dip the probes into the water and wait Wo for the data to stabilize before you capture it Note Do not allow the sensor to touch the water Only the probes should go into the water For many general water quality studies in which you only wish to see relative changes the sensors do not need to be cal brated When you plug the Water Quality Sensor into the data collection system and turn on the power you are ready to start measuring When you immerse the sensors into the water sample the display will show the 4 measurements simultaneously For true values or to share data with a government agency or water resources board the sensors must be calibrated before data collection begins 2 9 2 6 2 7 Calibrating the Water Quality MultiMeasure Sensor When you are conducting comparative studies you may need to calibrate the sensors to standardize the measurements Calibrating the Water Quality Sensor is similar to calibrating any single sensor that 1s connected to the data collection system Once the Water Quality Sensor 1s plugged in select the particular sensor you want to calibrate and use the Tech Tip for that sensor 2 5 9 2 6 9 2 7 97 Water Quality Field Guide GPS GIS GPS Position Sensor Overview Getting good sensor dat
95. f industrial use lt 50 NTU Increase of 20 when natural background is gt 50 NTU 93 Turbidity Measuring Procedure Setting up the Turbidity Sensor 1 Plug the Turbidity Sensor into your data collection system 2 1 Task Result On some data collection systems a digits display will appear by default for turbidity 2 Calibrate the Turbidity Sensor 8 2 Preparing samples 1 Collect a representative sample from the water body in a clean container with a lid 2 Remove any floating debris and if necessary filter though a coarse filter to remove any large particles 3 Invert the container several times to redistribute any sediment 4 With a pipet put at least 6 mL of the test water from the middle of the sample into the cuvette filling the cuvette Note Handle the cuvette with a lab tissue Wipe finger prints or water from the outside of the cuvette 5 Screw on the cap of the cuvette Taking a turbidity measurement 1 Ifrequired for your data collection system begin by building an experiment 22 2 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 923 3 Insert the sample cuvette into the Turbidity Sensor and cover it with the cap 4 Record the turbidity reading 24 More background information More information about turbidity and its role in water quality may be found in the references listed below also refer to the Recommended Reading and Resources section References 1 Healthy Wa
96. f water or air where the temperature changes rapidly with changing depth Thermoclines can occur in both shallow and deep ponds and lakes and in the ocean Almost all sunlight 1s absorbed near the surface of the water which heats up Wind and waves circulate the water in the surface layer distributing heat within 1t and the temperature may be quite uniform near the surface Below this uniform layer however the temperature drops rapidly This area of rapid temperature transition 1s the thermocline Below the thermocline the temperature may continue to drop with depth but far more gradually In the Earth s oceans 90 of the water is below the thermocline This deep ocean consists of layers of equal density being poorly mixed and may be as cold as 0 C to 3 C Temperature affects the density of water so warm less dense water does not mix well with cold more dense water The effect is similar to floating oil on water The area between these water layers 1s the thermocline where the water temperature rapidly transitions from that of the warmer layer to that of the cooler layer Why measure thermoclines Measuring thermoclines helps in understanding the ecosystem of a pond or lake Thermoclines affect the mix of nutrients and dissolved oxygen in the water which in turn affects the behavior of aquatic animals as they seek suitable environments to support their life processes Bass fishermen are aware of thermoclines since bass will t
97. fast flowing areas others need quiet pools It also affects the amount of silt and sediment carried by the stream Sediment introduced to quiet slow flowing streams will settle quickly to the stream bottom Fast moving streams will keep sediment suspended longer in the water column Fast moving streams generally have higher levels of dissolved oxygen than slow streams because they are better aerated Monitoring stream flow provides information regarding the available resources for aquatic organisms especially fish as well as available resources for human use The Endangered Species Act salmon recovery efforts and increased focus on water resource management have fueled the need for accurate and timely stream flow data Adjusting water quality measurements for stream flow can enhance the ability to detect long term changes in water quality The U S Geological Survey USGS continuously monitors stream flow across the United States and real time data is available on the USGS Web site Some stream flow monitoring programs integrate the locally collected stream flow data with that collected by the USGS What factors affect stream flow values The flow of a stream is directly related to the amount of water moving off the watershed into the stream channel It is affected by weather increasing during rainstorms and decreasing during dry periods It also changes during different seasons of the year decreasing during the summer months when eva
98. from the PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor User Manual You may want to make a table of values that bracket the temperature you expect to find at the test site before heading into the field If you are measuring dissolved oxygen in saline water consult the PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor User Manual This manual contains detailed charts of correction factors for measurements taken at various levels of sal nity 1 Plug the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor into the data collection system 2 Place approximately 5 mL of deionized water into the soaker bottle of the DO Sensor 3 Touch the Dissolved Oxygen reading on the live data page and touch Show A 4 Touch the Experiment Tools button Result The Experiment Tools screen opens 5 Touch CALIBRATE SENSOR Result The Calibrate Sensor screen opens 6 Touch the Sensor box and select the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor Note If you are using the Water Quality Sensor select Water Quality Sensor from the list In the Measurement box select Dissolved Oxygen mg L 8 Usethe 1 Point Adjust Slope Only calibration Touch NEXT Adjust the end of the probe such that it is just above the top of the water in the soaker bottle 10 Touch the Standard Value box Using the keypad enter the value from the solubility table for the temperature of the sample and barometric pressure 11 Shake the bottle vigorously for a few seconds and then gently shake off any water clinging to the end of the
99. g primarily granite rock which does not contain these minerals will have soft water The map shows the results of hardness testing conducted by the USGS National Stream Quality Concentration of hardness as calcium carbonate Accounting Network in 1975 3 mg L The hardness of tap water may be influenced by the source of that water For example in one area in California the water in one community is soft because it is taken from a river with headwaters in granite mountains whereas the water in a community only 30 miles away is hard because it 1s taken from ground water in a valley area containing an abundance of carbonate rock Other sources of hardness include BERN _ o s mining and rock quarry activities that Hawaii k expose rocks containing calcium and 0 200 Miles 0 200400 O PUERTO RICO 0 0 Mile 100 M magnesium as well as some types of 300 Miles 000 Mites pollution from industrial discharge some types of cleaning agents and human and animal waste O 200 400 600 Kilometers What are ideal hardness values Water hardness per se does not affect health so no public health standard has been established The effects of hardness on fish and other aquatic life are related to the specific ions that contribute to the hardness rather than the hardness itself so again no standards have been established for freshwater aquatic life However in some instances very soft water can contribute to the toxicity of
100. g the germ theory of disease the role of epidemiologists John Snow and William Farr in understanding the cause of the 1849 cholera epidemic in London e the role of environmentalists in identifying documenting and creating social changes regarding acid rain and its harmful effects e concerns regarding global warming and its effects on water temperatures and levels as well as on humans set in the context of historical climate changes e g ice ages dinosaur age etc e the role of satellites and global information systems on monitoring water quality About integration of water quality studies into state science standards The suggested ways of integrating water quality studies into the National Science Content Standards shown in the above tables are given as examples for your use However a similar matrix for integrating water quality studies into individual state science standards 1s beyond the scope of this manual Consider matching the activities you choose to your state standards that are equivalent to the National Science Content Standards Basic Water Quality Concepts Water Quality Field Guide Designated Use Designated Use and PASCO s Measuring Technology A water quality standard depends on the use or uses to be made of the water Therefore standards vary depending on the designation of use Some examples of designated use include lt Public water supplies for tap water Protection and propagation of fi
101. gen Sensor Note If you are using the Water Quality Sensor select Water Quality Sensor in the first box The second box should read Dissolved Oxygen mg L If it does not click the down arrow and select Dissolved Oxygen Sensor mg L Under Calibration Type click the radio button next to 2 Point Adjust Slope and Offset Using the keyboard enter the standard value from the solubility table for the temperature of the sample and barometric pressure into Calibration Point 2 Adjust the end of the probe such that it is just above the top of the water in the soaker bottle Shake the bottle vigorously for a few seconds and then gently shake off any water clinging to the end of the probe Click Read From Sensor Click OK Calibrating the pH Sensor or Water Quality Sensor You will need buffer solutions of pH 4 and pH 10 and deionized water 1 Plug the pH Sensor into a PowerLink or USBLink and connect the interface to the computer Click Setup Click the Calibrate Sensors tab The first box should read pH Sensor If it does not click the down arrow and select pH Sensor Note If you are using the Water Quality Sensor select Water Quality Sensor in the first box The second box should read pH If it does not click the down arrow and select pH Under Calibration Type click the radio button next to 2 Point Adjust Slope and Offset D 4 APPENDIX D DATASTUDIO TECH TIPS 2 9 10 11 Plac
102. gies for Water Quality Studies case study The approaches you might use to teach water quality concepts are as varied as your imagination However it might help to hear about strategies used by one teacher Roger Palmer Palmer is highly experienced teaching Earth and Environmental Sciences to junior high and high school students using a combination of in class lab work field trips to collect data on site field trips to local water treatment facilities collaborations with local and regional parks services and collaborations with local TV stations He makes the following points about successful water quality studies with students Start simply testing water samples in the school laboratory setting For starters you will want students to become acquainted with using sensor and test kit technologies in the more controlled environment of the classroom This means that you will be going out the day before and collecting water samples see the section on Water Sampling Equipment for suggested equipment for these sample collections from a local waterway for use in the classroom As long as you fill your storage containers with water cap them and put them on ice they will maintain their character sufficiently for classroom investigations overnight or even for a couple of days Alternatively test tap water since students will be interested to know more about it Special conditions 1 For samples intended for testing dissolved oxygen avoid un
103. he stream s edge prevented the temperature change 79 Temperature What are ideal temperature values Desirable temperatures depend on the designated use of the water Designated uses include recreational use both with and without full body contact drinking water industrial processing freshwater aquatic life and marine aquatic life Depending on the amount of activity by the swimmer comfortable temperatures range from 20 C to 30 C Most people can tolerate short durations of lower and higher temperatures For example for a 30 minute period most individuals can tolerate temperatures of 10 C or 35 C without harm Temperature also affects the self purification Chart 6 phenomenon in water bodies and therefore the aesthetic pd id and sanitary qualities that exist Increased temperatures accelerate the biodegradation of organic material which may lead to total depletion of dissolved oxygen and the growth of anaerobic bacteria that release noxious and malodorous gases At temperatures below freezing a similar pattern exists where colder water decreases the ability of organisms to perform necessary functions and the quality of the water diminishes Q Value Temperature affects the amount of chlorination required to sanitize water for drinking purposes The effectiveness of coagulation and filtration 1s reduced in water that 1s 5 C and water that is 10 C requires three times as iani iasa rel N m L
104. he water sampling and testing still others could document the aquatic vegetation and animal life Serial observations enhance story or pattern development One scenario would be to plan four different lab sessions at different times of the year revisiting the same sites Alternatively different sections of a waterway might be examined at different lab periods Then in a culminating event these various aspects can be combined so that patterns will be revealed providing meaning to the water quality testing experience Foster emerging student interest as the year progresses You will probably find that a small number of your students are especially interested in the water quality testing labs you organize As the year progresses you may be able to involve these students in water sample collection excursions after school Look for opportunities to engage community resources Potential community resources include Water treatment facilities City state or national park managers City planning officials lt University faculty Research centers Local TV or radio stations Regional or national initiatives such as the Globe Project Jason Project Project Wet and WaterWatch Project For example the local water treatment plant may allow some of your students to come in and test some of their water samples on their equipment After some experience in the school lab with sensor and test kit technology your students would benefi
105. hetically unpleasant Aquatic animal life Causes reduced dissolved oxygen or anoxic water smothers and kills eggs embryos larvae and some bottom dwelling organisms clogs and damages gills Aquatic plant life Reduces the amount and depth of penetration of sunlight reducing plant growth causing reduced dissolved oxygen concentrations and food for aquatic animals smothers plants growing on the bottom Irrigation Sediment clogs pipes and fills reservoirs coats ground with water impermeable layer coats plant leaves impeding photosynthesis reduces marketability of leafy vegetables What factors affect turbidity values Factors that affect turbidity can be classified into natural and human caused and they can cause either an increase or decrease in turbidity as follows Natural factors that increase turbidity Torrential rains causing erosion even in natural areas Increased temperature providing an environment for increased growth of algae plankton and bacteria lt Rapid flow of water keeping suspended solids mixed into the water Breakdown of the thermal layer of a lake in the fall causing mixing in the water column and algal blooms at the surface Natural factors that reduce turbidity Inhibition of erosion by well established plant life Filtration through roots mulched material gravel and sand Low or no flow allowing suspended solids to settle out of the water 92 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide
106. ignated Use Normal Ranges Upper Limit Human consumption 25 100 500 Livestock and fish Varies with species 1000 consumption Fresh water Depends on location 1500 Brackish water 1500 5 000 Sea water nearly 35 000 100 000 Lakes and streams 50 250 35 000 Rivers 100 20 000 Depends on conditions Groundwater Depends on location Can be higher than 20 000 88 PS 2829A Generally as the level of total dissolved solids increases the Q value declines and water quality Chart 7 Total Dissolved Solids diminishes The only exception to this curve is when TDS is very low less than 50 mg L A small amount of dissolved nutrients in a water body 1s healthy for cell development and function in organ sms Water Quality Field Guide Q Value 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 mg L Note If TDS level gt 500 Q 20 Measuring Procedure for Conductivity l 2 Plug the Conductivity Sensor or Salinity Sensor into the data collection system 2 1 Calibrate the Conductivity Sensor gt or Salinity Sensor 9 Finding TDS 1 Ifrequired for your data collection system begin by building an experiment 2 3 Otherwise set the display to show Conductivity measurements 2 3 2 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 3 3 Immerse the end of the probe into the sample of water to be measured When the reading stabilizes record the conductivity reading 921 Note Be sure to immer
107. ike evaporation the formation of sea ice increases salinity Sea ice forms as a result of freezing freshwater leaving the salts behind In far northern Canada and the Greenland coasts where ice packs are thick and abundant this process of sea ice formation serves to raise the salinity of the surrounding ocean Conversely the melting of sea ice will provide an influx of freshwater that will cause a decrease in salinity concentration A number of other natural processes including precipitation runoff from land and icebergs melting all contribute to a decrease in salinity concentration as well 4 While solubility as a result of temperature is a factor when using the PASPORT Salinity Sensor it is not as important as temperature s effect on the mobility of the ions When measuring salinity the temperature of the sample must be referenced to 25 C the standard reference temperature for salinity conductivity and total dissolved solids measurements As the temperature of a sample increases the mobility of the ions increases This mobility is measured as an increase in conductivity which if not corrected for temperature can be reported as a false high value of salinity The Salinity Sensor compensates for temperature differences and corrects both the salinity and conductivity to readings consistent with a 25 C reading 12 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide What are desirable levels of salinity Desirable levels of salinity are depende
108. imeter La x eas PASPORT Conductivity Sensor or O ES estimaa PASPORT Water Quality MultiSensor Dissolved CO Gas CO Gas ezSample Field Titrator l Dissolved Oxygen Sensor or IIED PASPORT Water Quality MultiSensor Hardness Total Hardness ezSample Field Titrator Kit Iron ezSample Test Kit PASPORT Water Iron Quality Colorimeter Nitrate ezSample Test Kit PASPORT Water Nitrate Quality Colorimeter PASPORT pH Sensor or PASPORT Water Quality MultiSensor Phosphate Phosphate ezSample Test Kit PASPORT p Water Quality Colorimeter Salinity PASPORT Salinity Sensor Stream Flow Flow Rate Temperature Sensor PASPORT Temperature Sensor or Temperature Flow Rate Temperature Sensor or PASPORT Water Quality MultiSensor Thermocline PASPORT Thermocline Sensor Turbidity PASPORT Turbidity Sensor See ordering information Introduction Table 2 Correlation of National Science Content Standards and suggested water quality testing activities grade levels 5 through 8 Content Standard Example Activities A Science as Inquiry Develop abilities to do scientific inquiry Use appropriate tools for measuring and recording and analyzing data Develop understandings about scientific inquiry B Physical Science Develop understanding of properties and changes of properties in matter C Life Science Develop an understanding of structure and function of living systems reproduction and heredity regulation and behavior population
109. ing acidic rain or other acidic discharges that may enter the stream If increasing amounts of acids are added to a body of water the water s buffering capacity is consumed If additional buffering material can be obtained from surrounding soils and rocks the alkalinity level may eventually be restored However a temporary loss of buffering capacity can permit pH levels to drop to those harmful to life in the water The ions that contribute to alkalinity primarily carbonate CO bicarbonate HCO3 phosphate PO and hydroxide OH also combine with toxic heavy metals and markedly reduce their toxicity Excessive alkalinity can cause problems for swimmers by altering the pH of the lacrimal fluid around the eye causing irritation In water used for irrigation high alkalinity may indirectly increase the relative proportion of sodium in soil water This may occur when bicarbonate concentrations are high as water evaporates the calcium and magnesium ions that are in solution precipitate as carbonates in the soil causing a relative increase in sodium concentration which can result in soil and plant damage High levels of alkalinity may also lead to chlorosis yellowing of leaves in plants because it causes the iron to precipitate as a hydroxide making the iron unavailable to plants For industrial water supplies high alkalinity can be damaging particularly for food production in which acidity accounts for flavor and stability
110. ing system present in sea water which contains salts that contribute to its alkalinity the naturally occurring variability of pH is generally less than that for fresh water What are ideal pH values The range of pH values considered desirable depends upon the designated use of the water Some examples are listed in the table Desirable pH values by designated use Biological systems are generally more sensitive to damaging effects of changes in pH than non biological systems Desirable pH values by designated use Designated Use pH Value Reference Drinking water 6 5 8 5 ERA rn weist Freshwater aquatic life 6 5 9 0 EPA Marine aquatic life 6 5 8 5 EPA Domestic water supplies welfare 5 9 EPA Crop irrigation any EPA Industrial cooling 5 0 8 9 EPA Industrial processing 3 0 11 7 EPA The pH of irrigation water rapidly changes to approximately that of the soil to which it is applied 64 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Different organisms thrive at different pH ranges Some examples are listed in the table pH values compatible with life by organism A pH value that is 5 or less or that is 9 or more is generally harmful to most aquatic organisms however some bacteria thrive at pH values lower or higher than that Certain organisms such as trout and many larvae are more sensitive to changes in pH than other aquatic organisms pH values compatible with life by organism Organism pH Value Bact
111. it is possible the calibration button may be inadvertently pushed it is important for the most reliable results to do the calibration procedure immediately before taking the measurement Note A blinking red light on the Calibration button means elther a the dark count 1s too high stray light 1s entering the ampoule holder or b the sensor measurement 1s out of range The blinking red light turns off when the reading 1s within the normal range Calibrating the Turbidity Sensor 1 Place a cuvette filled with distilled water in the turbidity sensor and close the lid Press the Calibration button on the sensor Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is in progress When the light starts blinking replace the cuvette with the standard 100 NTU cuvette included with the sensor and close the lid Press the button again Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is in progress When the light turns off the calibration process is complete A 9 Appendix B SPARKvue Tech Tips The number following the symbol 9 at the end of a procedure step refers to the numbered Tech Tip below which provides directions for operating SPARKvue 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 Adding a sensor to your SPARKvue experiment 1 Connect an interface such as a SPARKlink or a SPARK to your computer 2 Connect the sensor to a port on the interface 3 Open SPARKvue Task Result SPARKvue detects the sensor
112. ive The denaturing effect of chlorine on an mal and plant tissues is the basis for ts use as an effective water or wastewater disinfectant When chlorine dissolves in water it hydrolyzes according to the following reaction Cl H20 gt HOCI H CT Unless the concentration of the chlorine solution is above 1000 mg L all chlorine will be in the form of hypochlorous acid HOC or its dissociated ions H and OCT hypochlorite ion which are called free chlorine or free available chlorine Chlorine in the free avallable form reacts readily with nitrogenous organic materials to form chloramines mono and dichloramines When chlorine or hypochlorites are added to water containing nitrogenous materials they rapidly form these chloramines so chlorine toxicity in most natural waters is related to the chloramine concentration The chloramines are called combined available chlorine The sum of free and combined available chlorines is called total residual chlorine TRC or total chlorine Chlorine can assume oxidation states of 1 1 3 5 or 7 corresponding to the anions Cl CIO C10 ClO or CIO respectively known as chloride hypochlorite chlorite chlorate and perchlorate as shown in the table below Oxidation states of chlorine Oxidation 1 1 3 5 7 State Hypochlorites are commonly used as bleaching agents including sodium hypochlorite chlorine bleach and calcium hypochlorite bleaching powder
113. l municipal park agency can recommend programs to become involved with Also look into local naturalist organizations Water Sampling Equipment To obtain representative water samples you need to collect your samples away from the shoreline and below the surface of the water Special sampling devices are available that are made specifically for this purpose Their shape is cylindrical with closable ends weights and attached long ropes Some examples include the following Available through Forestry Suppliers Inc Wildco Student Water Bottle Kit Wildco Alpha Horizontal and Vertical Water Bottles LaMotte D O Water Sampler 107 Teaching Tips Also handy to have are long poles with a device on the end to hold a plastic water bottle You can make these with supplies from the local hardware store or you can order them ready made from Forestry Suppliers or other companies specializing in such gear some examples are as follows Swing Sampler lt Conbar Telescopic Dipper Refer to the Recommended Reading and Resources section for contact information Ideas for Getting Your Feet Wet with Water Quality Studies Perhaps the most difficult aspect of water quality studies is to get started using them with your classes Once you have some experience with them you ll be hooked and your imagination will provide all the ideas you need Start by picking one or two activities that involve only one or two sensors or test kits Here ar
114. lowing chemical reaction CO H20 HCO H CaHCOz Measuring dissolved CO can demonstrate its diurnal rhythm see the graph of dissolved oxygen and dissolved carbon dioxide below in lakes ponds and slow moving rivers Additional reasons for measuring dissolved CO include the following lt Measurement of dissolved CO can also signal the need for remedial action to reduce its concentration in fish tanks and ponds used for aquaculture lt Levels of dissolved CO have been used to assess the relative health of marine estuaries Lakes and ponds overlying volcanic activity can undergo a significant build up of dissolved CO as a result of outgassing of CO from magma and the formation of carbonic acid in the deep water In 1986 a sudden release of CO from the depths of Lake Nyos in Cameroon Africa resulted in human deaths signaling a need to monitor such lakes for buildup of dissolved CO A new technology for treating waters contaminated with acid mine drainage involves the dissolution of limestone particles using pressurized CO which is potentially hazardous to fish health and thus requires careful monitoring of dissolved CO levels 4 What factors affect dissolved carbon dioxide levels Physical factors that affect dissolved CO levels include temperature pH alkalinity and the turbulence and surface to air ratio of the water Cold water can hold more dissolved CO than warm water which is also true for dis
115. lular respiration by aquatic organisms which causes an increase in dissolved CO levels during the night resulting in diurnal fluctuations in the dissolved CO and dissolved oxygen levels as shown in the figure below In lakes ponds and slow moving rivers dissolved p CO and dissolved oxygen fluctuate inversely in a ISSOLVED OXYGE j diurnal rhythm once per 24 hours These fluctuations can become quite pronounced in water that has a large amount of plant and phytoplankton growth such as under conditions of algae bloom Even under normal conditions the dissolved CO concentration in a pond or lake can range from 0 mg L during the late afternoon to MIDDAY DUSK MIDNIGHT 10 to 15 mg L at dawn 3 E E 5 O CARBON DIOXIDE What are ideal dissolved carbon dioxide levels Dissolved CO seldom reaches sustained levels that are harmful to fish especially at cooler water temperatures when levels of dissolved oxygen are higher and it seldom drops to levels that do not support photosynthesis In aquaculture the danger level at which remedial action such as supplemental aeration to promote outgassing of dissolved CO to the air or even adding chemicals such as quicklime CaO to the water to reduce dissolved CO levels is about 20 mg L This level can easily be reached during summertime algal blooms which are also followed by algal die off and increased bacterial respiration causing depletion of dissolved oxygen levels
116. lved So dans er ee Reel 87 What are totald ssolvedsoh ds Fra et 87 Determine TOS its A euere ee 87 Why determine total dissolved solids values oocoonnnnncnincnnnocncnonnnonnnnononononocnnnononcnnnornononnncnnnnrnnnonaninnnns 87 What factors affect total dissolved solids values uni 88 What are desirable levels of total dissolved solids oooonnnonnnncnnnnnnnnononnnnnnnnnnnnnnnncnnnononononnncnnnnnnnonanoss 88 Measuring Procedure for Conductivity un un ui 89 A i i EAEE ENE T AA E ee E AE A ETE nero ee 91 What e tUr AAA e o AQ A bots easeen ns iastuaetasean aetna 91 Why measure turbidez 91 What factors affect turbidity Vales iia 92 Whatare deal turbidi vas ie 93 WMeasurime E rocedure cia 94 Additional OP rOn ii cri 95 Water Quality Sensor ini AA 97 A A 99 Teachino Str atesies 22er 101 Te chine a i a E EN E ee neh EEEE ee 103 Teaching Strategies for Water Quality Studies case study coooccnnnccncnccnnnocnnnncnnnnccnnnccnnncnnnnccnoniocnnnnoos 103 Water pampline Roule tenas A aaa 107 Ideas for Getting Your Feet Wet with Water Quality Studies ooccccnoccnnnccnnnccnnnacnnonocnnnacnonacinonicnnnss 108 Orderino Informatlon sisi tas 111 Recommended Reading Resources iii dilo 115 General Water Quality Methods and Standards ooocccocccnccnnocnnncnoncnnnacnnnonnnocnnocnononononnnornononanononacnnnonos 117 Reterences py Parameter ta td lA E detal 117 SOUL CC A A 121 o A essen 123 Appendix A SPARK
117. may be found in the references listed below also refer to the Note if saturation is gt 140 0 Q 50 0 Recommended Reading and Resources section Measuring Procedure Setting up the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor i 2 Plug the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor into the data collection system 2 1 Task Result On some data collection systems a digits display will appear by default for dissolved oxygen Note The Water Quality Sensor can also be used Remove the storage bottle from the end of the probe being careful not to touch the membrane at the end of the probe Note You can simply unscrew the soaker bottle and remove the bottom part leaving the lid attached to the probe Calibrate the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor 2 6 Note It is necessary to calibrate the DO sensor at the exact temperature of the water sample and the barometric pressure at the sampling site Failure to do this will result in inaccurate test results Even slight variations in barometric pressure can affect results It is not recommended that the atmospheric pressure be taken from local weather averages such as are reported in newspapers Use of a barometric sensor or weather sensor is strongly encouraged For best results use the complete DO Calibration Tables included with the sensor Note Probes of this kind have their electrodes housed in a fluid which contains oxygen It is beneficial for these sensors to burn off this small amount of o
118. mmonia ezSample snap vial calibration ampoule into the ampoule holder and cover 1t with the black cap Be sure to cover the ampoule completely with the cap Note Handle the ampoule by the tip and wipe the outside with a clean non abrasive cleaning tissue Important To avoid errors when calibrating or measuring do not use the Water Quality Colorimeter around bright lights 3 Press the green Calibration button on the Water Quality Colorimeter Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is in progress 4 Wait for the green light to turn off and then remove the calibration ampoule 5 To check your calibration reinsert the calibration ampoule and cover it with the black cap The value should be approximately 0 If it is not repeat the calibration with special care Note Because of the calculations involved in the ammonia calibration curve the calibrated value may not be exactly 0 but may be approximately 0 However the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter will nevertheless produce values within the accuracy range listed in the instruction sheet for the Ammonia ezSample Snap Vial A 8 APPENDIX A SPARK SCIENCE LEARNING SYSTEM TECH TIPS 3 2 Note All calibration readings are stored in flash memory inside the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter When you unplug the Water Quality Colorimeter and reconnect it the Water Quality Colorimeter retains the last calibration reading However since
119. more precise than others With the gravimetric method a sample of water 1s boiled until all liquid is evaporated leaving a residue on the bottom of the beaker The mass of the residue is then weighed using an analytical balance This method however takes a great deal of time and has 1ts own measure of error If there are ions present a second ballpark method exists that uses the electrical conductivity reading of a sample to estimate the total dissolved solids The conductivity reading of the sample 1s multiplied by a conversion factor that is based on the type of dissolved solids in the water The conversion factor can vary between 0 40 and 0 96 a value of 0 65 is used as an approximation if the dissolved solids are not known TDS ppm Conductivity uS cm x conversion factor l E l o Conversion factors Unlike the salinity portion of the Salinity Sensor the conductivity reading takes into account every Type of Total Conversion Dd Water Dissolved Factor ionic compound dissolved into a sample not just the Solids UN E ppm ionic compounds associated with sea water and has built in temperature compensation A conductivity Freshwater 0 2 200 0 7 measurement in units of uS cm taken at 25 C can Brackish 2 200 8 300 0 6 be quickly converted to a good estimate of TDS in water natural waters in units of parts per million ppm Saline water gt 8 300 05 by multiplying it by the conversion factor Why determine
120. mple 1s at 25 degrees Celsius If not adjust the reference value by 2 for each 1 degree deviation Insert the Conductivity Probe into the standard solution being sure to immerse the holes near the end of the probe Touch the READ FROM SENSOR button The sensor reading will fill the Sensor Value box Touch OK The display will return to the Calibrate Sensor screen Touch OK to return to the Experiment Tools screen Touch OK again to return to the experiment Calibrating the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor or Water Quality Sensor Calibration of the Dissolved Oxygen DO Sensor must be performed at or near the temperature and barometric pressure of the natural water body being tested To find the most accurate reference value you will need the barometric pressure at the test site You can use a PASCO Barometer Low Pressure Sensor A 4 APPENDIX A SPARK SCIENCE LEARNING SYSTEM TECH TIPS to determine the local barometric pressure or you could call the local weather station to find the barometric pressure being sure to ask for the station pressure not the altimeter or sea level pressure You will also need to know the temperature of the water you will be testing Then you can use an online calculator such as the one provided by Frostburg State University to calculate the 100 saturation value in terms of mg L DO Alternatively you can create your own equations to make the calculation using information from the Internet or
121. n demand BOD a 22 22 2 A a E tea EA E 27 VV Tae aS Us ete a o TN o e ala asbaainerad ue eases aslo anboaatasaananddne 21 Whatlactors aitect DOUD levels a ee alte 28 Whatare deal BOD values aa is 28 Overview of the two procedures for the 5 day BOD BOD test oocccocccccnccnnnccnnnoccnonccnnncononccnonacononicnnnos 28 Modified BODs procedure for the classro0M oocccoccnnccnnoccnnccnnnccnnoconoconoronnrcnnaronrnnnoconaronnrcnnaconacanarcnnacnnns 30 Ehlena 39 Whats chlor ne 2 2 a ee neh 33 Why measure cl reta ia 33 What tactors altect chlorine levels ti id 34 What are ideal chlorine Vales inne es eee i ee ee ee 34 Weasurime Erocedure cidos 35 atako KE KEA r DA i Pa AAEE AE E E E A EE AE EE in 37 Wat 1SCONQUCU VI NA Aa 37 Why measure CONGUGCLIVAILY emona a T a aE 37 What factors allet eonduceiV 2 2 aa en 38 What are desirable levels nd E n E an ne 38 Measurme Procedure ae se A AAA A 39 Dissolved Carbon Dioden sh Ei Risen 41 What is dissolved carbon dioxide CO gt 3 22u2seenssenesennennenennsennenenensnnnennsnnnennnenennsnnnensnenenssennensnenennnn 41 Why measure dissolved carbon dioxide 828 2 ua ee ee 41 What factors affect dissolved carbon dioxide levels oooonnccnnccinnnoccnnnnnnnnonononnnnnnnnnnnnnnnncnnnnnonnnannnnnnnos 41 What are ideal dissolved carbon dioxide levels oonccccononnncnnnonocnonononocncnnnnnncncnnnononncnnnonanronnnonanncnnnnns 42 Measurima Procedure raid tada 43 Dissolved ON
122. n the surfaces of pipes and especially on the hot heat exchanger surfaces of boilers The resulting scale buildup can impede water flow in pipes see picture In boilers the deposits act as thermal insulation that impedes the flow of heat into the water reducing heating efficiency and causing the metal to overheat which in pressurized systems can lead to catastrophic failure Scale can shorten the useful life of water pipes and water heaters If hard tap water is identified water softening procedures can be applied to lessen the negative impact of hard water By measuring the amount of hardness a determination of the chemical dosages for soda lime water softening procedures or effective ion exchange softening strategies can be determined 49 Hardness What factors affect hardness values Most of the minerals that contribute to hardness come from the ground When water passes over certain kinds of bedrock or soil it dissolves minerals in it and carries the ions with it Some minerals that contribute to hardness as well as their ions when dissolved are shown listed on the table below Some minerals that contribute to hard water Mineral Chemical Formula lons When Dissolved Limestone Chalk CaCO Ca CO Magnesite MgCO3 Mg Gypsum CaSO4 H 0 Ca S0 Dolomite CaCO3 H20 Ca Mg CO3 Areas with a lot of rock containing these minerals also known as carbonate rock often have hard water On the other hand areas havin
123. n was most effective Take a field trip to the local waste water treatment facility Using the conductivity pH and dissolved oxygen sensors explore a variety of drinking water sources tap water bottled water filtered water distilled water well water etc Compare findings with EPA drinking water standards Conduct taste tests of these water sources Discuss the variability found in the context of health and safety i e despite considerable variability especially regarding dissolved solids and taste all sources are safe to drink and promote personal health Discuss the risks benefits of bottled water versus tap water e g the trade off of spending limited financial resources for bottled water instead of fruits and vegetables Take a field trip to the local drinking water treatment facility PS 2829A Table 2 Water Quality Field Guide Correlation of National Science Content Standards and suggested water quality testing activities grade levels 5 through 8 Content Standard Example Activities G History and Nature of Science Develop understanding of e science as a human endeavor e nature of science e history of science Throughout the hands on exploration of water quality provide historical context regarding scientific and technological progress and processes regarding water quality including videos readings internet research on topics such as e the impact of advances in scientific understanding and sanit
124. nd press V The first box should read Conductivity Sensor If it does not press the Q button until it appears The second box should read Conductivity uS cm If it does not press the Q button until it appears Using the arrow keys highlight Pt 2 uS em and press Q Input the standard reference value using the keypad Note Be sure that your reference sample is at 25 degrees Celsius If not adjust the reference value by 2 for each 1 degree deviation 10 Insert the Conductivity Probe into the standard solution being sure to immerse the holes near the end of the probe 11 Press and Read Pt 2 when the reading stabilizes 12 Press OK to exit the Calibration screen Press to return to the Home screen Calibrating the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor or Water Quality Sensor Calibration of the DO sensor must be performed at or near the temperature and barometric pressure of the natural water body being tested To find the most accurate reference value you will need the barometric pressure at the test site You can use a PASCO Barometer Low Pressure Sensor to determine the local barometric pressure or you could call the local weather C 3 APPENDIX C XPLORER GLX TECH TIPS station to find the barometric pressure being sure to ask for the station pressure not the altimeter or sea level pressure You will also need to know the temperature of the water you will be testing Then you can use an online calculator su
125. ndary Drinking Water Regulations Current Drinking Water Standards 2006 Environmental Protection Agency 3 Quality Criteria for Water Red Book 1976 Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency 4 Stover H S and L Seager Environmental Chemistry Air and Water Pollution 2nd ed 1976 Glenview Illinois Scott Foresman and Co 39 Water Quality Field Guide Dissolved Carbon Dioxide What is dissolved carbon dioxide CO Dissolved carbon dioxide is carbon dioxide gas CO that is held in water It is normally measured in terms of ppm mg L Dissolved CO levels are commonly below 10 mg L in natural surface waters but groundwater levels can be up to several hundred mg L Why measure dissolved carbon dioxide Dissolved CO is required by aquatic plants during photosynthesis to create energy rich molecules such as sugars and starches as well as structural molecules such as cellulose In the absence of dissolved CO aquatic plants will turn yellow and become sick or die However too much CO is toxic to fish since a high concentration of dissolved CO causes fish to have difficulty releasing CO2 from their bodies which is necessary for sustaining life Fish exposed to high dissolved CO levels become lethargic and do not feed however they recover after dissolved CO levels drop High levels of dissolved CO can lower the pH to unhealthy levels particularly in water with low alkalinity through the fol
126. necessary or prolonged contact with air 2 Very turbid water can be allowed to settle overnight rather than filtering it and it will be suitable for most analyses in the classroom Just ag tate the sample before you measure its turbidity Have students test only one or two parameters for example dissolved oxygen and conductivity in their first lab experience It may take a couple of lab periods before everyone learns how to use the technology so planning for repetition through testing different types of water samples or using different sensors or test kits at each lab period will provide the cumulative experience that will result in successful testing and concept development See the section below Ideas for getting your feet wet with water quality studies for a listing of simple activity ideas for each sensor Don t worry too much about calibrating equipment at this stage The sensors out of the box will provide a measurement that is within an acceptable range for teaching purposes Later when students gain more experience and confidence using the sensors the concept of calibration can be introduced Note However the Water Quality Colorimeter should be calibrated before use because the calibration button might accidentally be pressed throwing the calibration off Since calibration of the Water Quality Colorimeter is an easy procedure this should not pose a problem Additionally if you are located at a high elevation y
127. ng and air diffusion stone are needed and they must be scrupulously cleaned as above The pH must be maintained between 6 5 and 7 5 using 1 M NaOH and H gt SO if necessary A nutrient dilution solution containing CaClo FeCL3 MgSO and phosphate buffer must be prepared using very high quality water that contains no nutrients or toxins This solution supports the growth of the bacteria used in the assay It should be discarded in the event that bacterial growth occurs in it The DO sensor must be calibrated at the current atmospheric pressure and the temperature of the water sample before each day s measurements The test samples must be incubated in the dark at 20 C 1 C Any residual chlorine if present must be removed before the test A sample that contains any toxic metals arsenic or cyanide must be specially treated before the test A sample that has been treated by disinfectants may need to be seeded with bacteria A negative blank and positive glucose glutamic acid standard solution control must be run with the test and the results of these must meet standards About the modified 5 day BOD BOD test for use in the classroom The BODs procedure presented in this field guide is a modification of the standard procedure that will produce results that are acceptable in a classroom environment and that support learning of the basic concepts of BODs testing It should not be used in a regulatory environment or when m
128. ng on its effect on water quality which then converts the Q value into a number that can be added to other values to determine an overall water quality number Water Quality Index Worksheet Tester s Name Location of Sample Date and Time of Test BOD mg L NN 0 11 Dissolved Oxygen saturation 0 17 Fecal Coliform colonies 100 mL 0 16 Nitrates mg L 0 10 Temperature MA ae 0 10 Total Dissolved Total Phosphate mg L MN 0 10 Turbidity NTU 0 08 Overall Water Quality Index Note This worksheet is included for general information purposes You can download a full size version from the National Science Foundation Web site Refer to the Recommended Reading and Resources section for availability information 14 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Finally the overall water quality index value as determined from the worksheet is then assigned a qualitative description as shown on the following table Qualitative water quality descriptions Water Quality Index WQI Scale 91 100 Excellent water quality 71 90 Good water quality 51 71 Medium or average water quality 26 50 Fair water quality 0 25 Poor water quality Additional types of WQls Additional WQIs that are modifications of the original version have been adopted worldwide for monitoring water quality regionally The various modifications have been added to respond to variations in regional concerns For example the United States state of lowa has adopted a
129. nity Ammonia Biological Oxygen Demand Chlorine Conductivity Dissolved Carbon Dioxide Dissolved Oxygen Hardness Iron Nitrate pH Phosphate Salinity Stream Flow Temperature Thermocline Total Dissolved Solids Turbidity PASCO Measuring Technology Alkalinity ezSample Field Titrator Kit ezSample Snap Vial Ammonia PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor or PASPORT Water Quality MultiSensor ezSample Snap Vial Chlorine PASPORT Conductivity Sensor or PASPORT Water Quality MultiSensor Dissolved CO Gas ezSample Field Titrator Kit PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor or PASPORT Water Quality MultiSensor Total Hardness ezSample Field Titrator Kit ezSample Snap Vial Iron ezSample Snap Vial Nitrate PASPORT pH Sensor or PASPORT Water Quality MultiSensor ezSample Snap Vial Phosphate PASPORT Salinity Sensor PASPORT Flow Rate Temperature Sensor PASPORT Temperature Sensor or PASPORT Flow Rate Temperature MultiSensor or PASPORT Water Quality MultiSensor PASPORT Thermocline Sensor PASPORT Conductivity Sensor or PASPORT Water Quality MultiMeasure Sensor or PASPORT Salinity Sensor PASPORT Turbidity Sensor Water Quality Field Guide Measurable Ranges mg L ppm 10 100 mg L ppm 0 2 3 mg L ppm 0 20 mg L ppm 0 5 6 mg L ppm O 100 000 uS cm 10 100 mg L ppm 0 20 mg L ppm 20 200 mg L ppm 1 5 8 0 mg L ppm 0
130. nt upon the species of plant or animal and the intended use of the water in question and are often expressed in terms of conductivity Drinking water for example must be low in salinity as highly saline water can cause dehydration in both humans and animals Water given to livestock and poultry must be below the 5 0 to 8 0 dS m range Water beyond this range will cause diarrhea decreased growth birth defects and eventually death Animals especially livestock have the ability to adapt to gradually changing levels of salinity however rapid changes in salinity will cause sickness or death Freshwater and marine aquatic organisms live and breed in a wide range of salinity levels Brine shrimp for example prefer 30 to 50 ppt while goldfish prefer 0 to 5 ppt These ranges are of course species specific and many freshwater fish may be capable of tolerating much higher levels of salt Water for use in irrigation should generally be less than 7 5 dS m Some plants and crops however are quite tolerant of salts Certain ion concentrations though must be watched Boron for example only needs to be slightly higher than the safe concentration to be very harmful to plants How are units of conductivity converted to units of salinity To convert dS m to ppm parts per million multiply the conductivity value in dS m by 640 To convert from ppm to dS m divide by 640 Recall that 1 ppm is 1 000 times less than 1 ppt 3 Measuring Proced
131. nthesis and respiration can affect the pH of water Chart 5 pH Results Acidifying influences those that lower the pH include respiration by plants animals and bacteria acid rain resulting from the burning of fossil fuels and runoff from mines chemical plants and other non natural sources In any case as the pH changes from neutral to either more acidic or more alkaline the water quality and corresponding Q value deteriorates The table of Q values for pH at left demonstrates this relationship Q Value AQUA PR OO ai MANN LT ie n za Temperature alone does not appreciably affect pH levels but it does affect the functioning of the sensor Note If pH is lt 2 0 or gt 12 0 Q 0 electrode For best results measure the pH ata temperature close to that of the calibration solutions Buffers affect how dramatically the pH changes following the addition of acidic or basic substances The extent to which pH values will change in response to added acids or bases is dependent upon the amount of buffering materials dissolved in the water Water that contains higher levels of dissolved carbonates derived from erosion of limestone and other carbonate rocks has a higher buffering capacity and is thus more resistant to changes in pH This higher buffering capacity is reflected in higher conductivity total dissolved solids and alkalinity values Because of the buffer
132. o parameters that you expect might be affected If you have the GPS Position Sensor and My World GIS map the collection points relative to the point source of the pollution that you find 9 Explore the effect of rainfall runoff on a local river If your community has a suitable river or stream collect water samples before and after a storm involving heavy rainfall and measure the turbidity conductivity hardness and pH See if you can determine whether acid rain might be influencing the pH or whether a significant diluting has occurred See if conductivity turbidity and hardness values are affected and develop hypotheses to explain any changes noted Note This is always a fun trip to the stream students have gotten to know so well over the course of the year When they see it in flood stage they are usually quite impressed with the changes in its characteristics and are excited to make the new measurements 10 Explore the effect of algal bloom on water quality If your community has a pond or lake that undergoes seasonal algal blooms take samples before during and after the bloom and measure the effect on one or two of the following BOD dissolved oxygen lt dissolved CO nitrate pH phosphate turbidity References 1 Roger Palmer presented much of this information at the 2006 NSTA Conference in Dallas TX 110 PS 2829A Ordering Information Ordering Information Water Quality Parameter Alkali
133. ocedure Setting up the pH Sensor 1 Plug the pH Sensor into the data collection system 21 Task Result On some data collection systems a digits display will appear by default for dissolved oxygen Note The Water Quality Sensor can also be used 2 Remove the storage bottle from the end of the probe Note You can simply unscrew the soaker bottle and remove the bottom part leaving the lid attached to the probe 3 Calibrate the pH Sensor if required or use the factory calibration for non standard comparisons 65 pH Taking a pH measurement 1 Ifrequired for your data collection system begin by building an experiment 22 2 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 23 3 Insert the pH Sensor into the solution 4 Record the pH reading 24 More background information More information about pH and its role in water quality may be found in the references listed below and in the Recommended Reading and Resources section See also the Resources section for vendors of pH buffer solution standards References 1 National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations Current Drinking Water Standards U S Environmental Protection Agency 2006 2 Quality Criteria for Water Red Book 1976 Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency 3 Mitchell M K and W B Stapp Field Manual for Water Quality Monitoring Seventh ed 1993 Dexter Michigan Thomson Shore Printers 66 PS 2829A
134. ode 1 2 3 From the Home screen press to open the Sensors screen Press D to open the Mode screen Using the down arrow highlight Manual and press V Task Result The Xplorer GLX is now ready to record manually sampled data C 1 APPENDIX C XPLORER GLX TECH TIPS 2 4 2 5 Recording a set of manually sampled data If the Xplorer GLX is in manual sampling mode complete these steps to record a data set 1 From the Home screen use the arrow keys and press Q to open the digits display 2 Press gt The Xplorer GLX is now ready to collect data 3 When the reading you are taking has stabilized press Result The Xplorer GLX records a data point Repeat as necessary until all data points have been collected 4 Press to stop data collection Calibrating the Conductivity Sensor or Water Quality Sensor Depending upon your goals the factory calibration of the Conductivity Sensor may be inadequate Conductivity measurements are usually used to provide an estimate of total dissolved solids TDS or to ascertain whether an additional more specific measurement of a particular ion is needed If calibration is required you will need a conductivity standard in the approximate range and at the same temperature as that of the unknown solution you will be testing Obtaining a conductivity standard You can make your own conductivity standard solutions or you can purchase them from a supply c
135. of the plant and animal species in the ecosystem as well as on humans In a watershed study trace the path of water from its origin to the ocean and then back to the watershed Using sensors and colorimetric kits explore water quality parameters Develop hypotheses regarding the origins of the substances detected in the water Track water temperature over time and at different locations and consider the role of the sun in the variations in temperature that are recorded Develop hypotheses regarding the impact of local climate changes such as those produced by global warming on the quality of the water and the composition of the ecosystem in this watershed Design a water treatment system Using filtration sand gravel sedimentation coagulation egg white and activated charcoal and other devices design a system that removes pollutants from a polluted water source Using sensors and colorimetric kits analyze the water before and after treatment to determine which properties were most affected by the purification technology and which design was most effective Write a report that supports the conclusion with the data collected Include in the report the results of Internet research on new developments in water treatment technologies PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Table 3 Correlation of National Science Content Standards and suggested water quality testing activities grade levels 9 through 12 Content Standard Exam
136. ompany such as Hach Company or Cole Parmer For most purposes a standard solution that you make will be sufficient However for high accuracy measurements use a commercially prepared and standardized solution appropriate to your measuring situation See the Preparation of standard solutions table below Preparation of standard solutions weight Mass of NaCl TDS ppm or Conductivity approx mg mg L uS cm at 25 C 0 001 10 10 21 4 0 01 100 100 210 0 1 1000 1000 1 990 1 0 10 000 10 000 17 600 10 0 100 000 100 000 140 000 Put the mass of NaCl that will yield a conductivity value close to the range you will be measuring into a 1 L flask Add 500 mL of distilled water and stir until dissolved Then bring the volume to 1 L with distilled water APPENDIX C XPLORER GLX TECH TIPS 2 6 Materials Required Conductivity standard Small beakers 3 Wash bottle 1 Distilled water Calibrating the sensor 1 Place a sample of distilled water into a beaker and a sample of standard solution into another beaker Soak the conductivity electrode in the beaker of distilled water for 10 minutes Plug the Conductivity Sensor into the Xplorer GLX From the Home screen press to open the Sensors screen Note If you have more than one sensor connected use the arrow keys to select the appropriate sensor across the top of the GLX screen Press again to open the Sensors menu Using the arrow keys select Calibrate a
137. onductivity dissolved oxygen and turbidity of the water bodies Identify some correlations e g dissolved oxygen levels are higher in clear cold water which supports the reproduction and living process of a different variety of organisms compared to warm turbid water birds that feed on fish like herons seem to be found more frequently around richly various ecosystems pH may be lower in high mountain streams which have lower conductivity levels watersheds that have thick vegetation surrounding the water body are associated with less turbid water etc In a watershed study trace the path of water from its origin to the ocean and then back to the watershed Using the conductivity and pH sensors map the conductivity and pH of the water body Develop hypotheses regarding the origins of the dissolved solids acids and bases Track water temperature over time and at different locations and consider the role of the sun in variations in temperature that are recorded Design a water treatment system Using filtration sand gravel sedimentation coagulation egg white and activated charcoal design a system that removes suspended solids sediment odor and color from a polluted water source with coffee grinds and pulverized kitty litter Use the turbidity pH and conductivity sensors to analyze the water before and after treatment to determine which properties were most affected by the purification technology and which desig
138. or is 20 200 ppm mg L CaCOs Because the ampoules in the Total Hardness ezSample Field Titrator kit have nonlinear scales the accuracy of these kits varies with the analyte concentration At the low end of the test range the accuracy is 5 At the high end of the range the accuracy falls to 20 O or Note If your test result is at the maximum of the test range dilute the sample with distilled water and re test then make the correction for the dilution For example dilute 10 mL of sample with 10 mL of distilled water and then multiply the test result by 2 for the final concentration References 1 Healthy Water Healthy People Testing Kit Manual 2002 Bozeman Montana The Watercourse International Project WET 2 Quality Criteria for Water Red Book 1976 Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency 3 Water Science for Schools U S Geological Survey http ga water usgs gov edu characteristics html accessed Sept 25 2010 4 American Chemical Society ChemCom Chemistry in the Community 2002 Freeman and Company New York p 77 5 Lower S Hard water and water softening http www chem1 com CQ hardwater html accessed Sept 25 2010 6 Wilkes University Center for Environmental Quality Hard Water Hardness http www water research net hardness htm accessed Sept 25 2010 91 Water Quality Field Guide Iron What is iron Iron is the fourth most abundant of the elements by weight
139. ote The Nitrate ezSample Test Kit measures nitrate nitrogen To convert the test results to nitrogen multiply by 4 4 as shown on the table below The accuracy of the Nitrate ezSample Test Kit is 10 at 75 of full scale range Accuracy may be compromised if test results are outside the stated test ranges The lower limit of the stated test range is the practical detection limit PDL defined as the lowest concentration at which less than 30 error is routinely obtained For the Nitrate ezSample Test Kit the range accuracy PDL and resolution are shown on the table below Note If your test result is at the maximum of the test range dilute the sample with distilled water and re test then make the correction for the dilution For example dilute 10 mL of sample with 10 mL of distilled water and then multiply the test result by 2 for the final concentration Nitrate ezSample Test Kit Accuracy resolution and PDL mg L Range Range Accuracy PDL Resolution nitrate nitrate nitrogen 0 4 4 0 1 Low 0 05 0 2 0 01 4 4 11 1 2 5 High 0 1 0 1 To convert nitrate N to nitrate multiply by 4 4 For example a test result of 1 mg L nitrate nitrogen nitrate N converts to 4 4 mg L nitrate 60 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide References 1 Consumer Factsheet on Nitrates Nitrites Ground Water Drinking Water U S Environmental Protection Agency 2006 2 National Drinking Water Standards U S Environmental Prote
140. ou will need to calibrate the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor for representative results Take advantage of the multiple measurements that students from different classes will make on the same samples with the same equipment Inevitably students will obtain a wide range of values for a parameter from the same water sample This variability can be instructive Examining all the data outliers can be identified and discarded as well as discussed regarding the reasons for their occurrence which might include sensor malfunction or errors in testing methodology and a reasonable hypothesis as to the 103 Teaching Tips real value can be arrived at This can be a rich opportunity to elaborate on concepts such as experimental error sample decay precision and accuracy and experimental uncertainty Encourage the development of a story or the identification of patterns Provide a context regarding the water source Take photos or videos of the collection site to show the students in the classroom and point out features that might influence or be influenced by the quality of the water Divide the class up such that small groups of students or individual students are working on a particular aspect of the whole picture For example students working in pairs could examine one of the water quality parameters each while other student pairs could collect information about the watershed for the water source others could document the weather at the time of t
141. out 15 is present as NH3 Importantly the toxicity of aqueous solutions of ammonia is attributed to the NH form NH is thought not to be toxic or is perhaps only very slightly toxic to aqueous organisms The term total ammonia nitrogen refers to the sum of NH and NH Aqueous ammonia is commonly measured in terms of total nitrogen due to ammonia mg L NH N or mg N L Why measure ammonia Un ionized ammonia NH3 is toxic to fish and invertebrates Concentrations as low as 0 02 mg L of NH3 are lethal to some fish such as trout and to some invertebrates such as clams and mussels At even lower concentrations fish and invertebrates can sustain damage to gills skin various organs and reproductive capability Other fish such as carp are much less sensitive When setting up an aquarium or fish farm tank ammonia is a major concern since tap water lacks the presence of nitrifying bacteria that can break down the ammonia that is naturally excreted by the fish Measuring ammonia enables the identification of point sources and nonpoint sources of ammonia containing pollution What factors affect ammonia levels Ammonia is present in most waters as a natural biological degradation product of nitrogenous organic matter Organisms such as fish excrete ammonia as a waste product Ammonia may also reach ground and surface waters through discharge of fertilizers raw sewage or industrial wastes containing ammonia as a byproduct or wast
142. p www epa gov waterscience criteria wqcriteria html 1976 Quality criteria for water Red Book U S Environmental Protection Agency Available from http www epa gov waterscience criteria wqcriteria html References by Parameter Alkalinity 2006 Alkalinity the protector of the stream Wilkes University Center for Environmental Quality Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences Available from www water research net Watershed alkalinity htm 117 Recommended Reading Ammonia 1999 1999 Update aquatic life ambient water quality criteria for ammonia U S Environmental Protection Agency Available from http www epa gov waterscience criteria jammonia 1997 Zhang J Z P B Ortner C J Fischer and L D J Moore Determination of ammonia in estuarine and coastal waters by gas segmented continuous flow colorimetric analysis U S Environmental Protection Agency National Exposure Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development U S Environmental Protection Agency Cincinnati Ohio 45268 Available from http www epa gov nerlewww m349_0 pdf Biological Oxygen Demand 1999 G C Delzer S W McKenzie Five day biochemical oxygen demand U S Geological Survey National field manual Chapter 7 0 Available from http water usgs gov owq FieldManual Chlorine 2001 Stage 1 disinfectants and disinfection byproduct rule A quick reference gutde U S Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water Available f
143. ple Activities F Science in Personal and Social Perspectives Develop understanding of e personal and community health e population growth e natural resources e environmental quality e natural and human induced hazards science and technology in local national and global challenges G History and Nature of Science Develop understanding of e science as a human endeavor e nature of science e history of science Using sensors and colorimetric kits explore water quality parameters in a variety of drinking water sources e g tap water bottled water filtered water distilled water well water etc Compare findings with EPA drinking water standards Conduct taste tests of these water sources Discuss the variability found in the context of health and safety i e despite considerable variability especially regarding dissolved solids and taste all sources are safe to drink and promote personal health Discuss the risks benefits of bottled water versus tap water e g the trade off of spending limited financial resources on bottled water instead of fruits and vegetables Develop hypotheses regarding potential situations in which the risk benefit ratio might be different Throughout the hands on exploration of water quality have students write reports on such topics as e the impact of advances in scientific understanding and sanitation technologies on improved human health e g the role of Louis Pasteur in developin
144. poration rates are high and shoreline vegetation is actively growing and removing water from the ground Water withdrawal for irrigation purposes can seriously deplete water flow as can industrial water withdrawals Dams used for electric power generation particularly facilities designed to produce power during periods of peak need often block the flow of a stream and later release it in a surge What are ideal stream flow values There are no ideal stream flow values Rather stream flow data should be considered in the context of other water quality measurements However changes in flow affect the water quality aquatic organisms and avallability of water for human use as well as the potential for flooding Additionally some organisms such as salmon require a certain stream flow to complete their reproductive cycles Further information is available from the references also refer to the Recommended Reading and Resources section Measuring Procedure Setting up the Flow Rate Temperature Sensor 1 Plug the Flow Rate Temperature Sensor into your data collection system 2 1 Task Result On some sensors a digits display of flow rate values automatically opens 2 The Flow Rate Temperature sensor does not require calibration 3 Extend the telescoping tube of the probe as needed The tube will extend to 7 feet 2 13 meters 76 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Taking a stream flow measurement SAFETY PRECAUTIONS If
145. primary negative ions that contribute to hardness are bicarbonate HCO and carbonate COz These ions are important components of the total dissolved solids TDS see also the section on conductivity Hardness is commonly reported as an equivalent concentration of calcium carbonate CaCQs3 The concept of hardness comes from practical considerations Hardness is measured by soap requirements for adequate lather formation and as an indicator of the rate of scale formation in hot water heaters and low pressure boilers 2 A commonly used classification is shown in the following table Classification of water by hardness content CaCO Concentration Description mg L 0 60 soft 61 120 moderately hard 121 180 hard 181 and greater very hard Some organizations use other classification schemes Hardness is related to TDS but is not exactly the same since ions like sodium Na are important contributors to TDS but not to hardness Generally hard water has a high level of TDS but water with a high level of sodium ions and thus a high level of TDS is not necessarily hard Why measure hardness Hardness is a quality of water that particularly affects water that is designated for use as tap water or for industrial use As mentioned in the previous section tap water that 1s hard requires more soap to achieve cleansing lathers More seriously the calcium and magnesium carbonates tend to precipitate out as adherent solids or scale o
146. progress When the light turns off the calibration process is complete B 8 Appendix C Xplorer GLX Tech Tips The number following the symbol 9 at the end of a procedure step refers to the numbered Tech Tip below which provides directions for operating the Xplorer GLX 2 1 Connecting a sensor to the GLX 4 If you have a PASPORT sensor plug it into one of the PASPORT ports on the GLX If you have a temperature probe fast response or stainless steel plug 1t into one of the temperature ports on the side of the GLX Note The temperature ports are labeled with the icons lk and lla Task Result The Xplorer GLX detects the sensor and adds it to your experiment 2 2 Building an Experiment Showing Data Displays 1 Connect a sensor to the Xplorer GLX Result A default measurement from the sensor will appear in the Digits Display In the Digits Display the number of sensor measurements can be changed to display up to 8 measurements To change any measurements on the display press X The field for the first measurement will be highlighted Using the arrow keys on the Xplorer GLX navigate to the field whose measurement will be changed Press A menu will appear containing all of the measurements for all sensors connected to the Xplorer GLX Using the arrow keys on the Xplorer GLX navigate to the measurement that will be shown and press Q 2 3 Putting the Xplorer GLX into manual sampling m
147. r 2003 Windows to the Universe University of Michigan http www windows2universe org earth Water temp html accessed Sept 30 2010 85 Water Quality Field Guide Total Dissolved Solids What are total dissolved solids Total dissolved solids TDS are the mineral and salt impurities dissolved in water and are measured in parts per million Small organic solids micromolecules can also be a part of measurable TDS but sugar alcohol pesticides and large organic solids macromolecules are not included as total dissolved solids because they do not conduct a current TDS can affect the way drinking water appears but toxic levels depend on the species of animals in or using the water TDS is used as an indicator for chemical contaminants and to map water movement in underground systems or to build runoff models or basin drainage models Total dissolved solids consist of nutrient runoff from storm drains or road salts and some organic compounds Sources of TDS include agricultural runoff residential runoff and industrial point source pollution Micromolecules are constantly leached from soils and end up in the water supply If the micromolecules are smaller than 2 micrometers and are water soluble they are classified as dissolved solids If they are larger than 2 micrometers and stay suspended in the water column they are called suspended solids Determining TDS Total dissolved solids can be determined in a number of ways some
148. r resources conditions U S Geological Survey Available from http waterwatch usgs gov 2006 Guidelines for drinking water quality World Health Organization WHO Available from http www who int water_sanitation_health dwq gdwq3rev en index html 2002 Healthy water healthy people testing kit manual The Watercourse International Project WET 201 Culbertson Hall Montana State University PO Box 170575 Bozeman Montana USA 59717 0570 Available from http www healthywater org 1994 Water quality handbook 27d edition Chapter 2 designation of uses U S Environmental Protection Agency Available from http www epa gov waterscience standards handbook handbookch2 pdf 1992 Secondary drinking water regulations Guidance for nuisance chemicals U S Environmental Protection Agency Available from http www epa gov safewater consumer 2ndstandards html 1990 National primary and secondary drinking water regulations synthetic organic chemicals and inorganic chemicals Federal Register 55 U S Environmental Protection Agency 1988 J I Daniels Evaluation of military field water quality Volume 4 Health criteria and recommendations for standards Part 1 Chemicals and properties of military concern associated with natural and anthropogenic sources AD UCRL 21008 4 Available from http handle dtic mil 100 2 ADA241522 1986 Quality criteria for water 1986 Gold Book U S Environmental Protection Agency Available from htt
149. r that you have found through previous activities to have high conductivity swimming pool water or well water might be examples measure the conductivity and total hardness Then determine the weight of the dissolved solids by weighing an empty beaker filling it with the water sample boiling it dry and measuring the beaker again Find relationships between the three measurements Note You may need to boil down several beakers of water to obtain an appreciable difference in mass 4 Compare temperatures at different points on a water body If you have a convenient water body on or near school grounds determine the temperature at different points including shallow deep stagnant swiftly flowing sunny and shady spots Experiment with mapping this data using the GPS Position Sensor and My World GIS if your school has access to these technologies 5 Find the thermocline in a swimming pool If you have access to a swimming pool pick a time when the pool filter has been off for a day or two no one has been swimming in it and the day is quite warm Plug in the Thermocline sensor to the data collection system and display a graph Slowly drop the Thermocline Sensor into the deep end while recording the temperature and depth See if you find a depth where a relatively sharp drop in temperature occurs This is the thermocline 6 Compare DO and temperature profiles in a local lake Measure the DO and the temperature in a local lake or reser
150. rating water quality field studies into curricula across the grade levels The field of water quality monitoring can be challenging even for college level students and professionals since 1t encompasses a wide range of monitoring activities technologies and expertise requirements However specific elements of water quality testing can be easily integrated into curricula in such a way that any student s current scientific development level can be advanced One way to illustrate this is to examine the relevant National Science Standards at different grade levels correlated with examples of hands on water quality activities that might address those standards Tables 2 and 3 At the advanced high school and college levels students will design investigations using the appropriate analytical technologies At this level accuracy and reliability of data is emphasized so instrument calibration and the use of external standards will be emphasized Regional comparisons and cooperative databases may then be incorporated 2 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Table 1 Listing of water quality parameters that can be measured using PASCO technology Water Quality Parameter PASCO Measuring Technology Alkalinity Total Alkalinity ezSample Field Titrator Kit Ammonia Ammonia ezSample Test Kit l l PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor or RA de Demand BOB PASPORT Water Quality MultiSensor Chlorine Chlorine ezSample Test Kit PASPORT Water Quality Color
151. rd all data including air temperature and relevant weather and ecosystem data e g surrounding terrain nature of run off surrounding vegetation terrestrial and aquatic plants and animal species observed etc Analyze data looking for notable differences in parameter levels between the two situations Develop hypotheses that might explain these differences in terms of thermal energy stream flow ionic content of the water or run off action of erosion chemical reactions of rain or groundwater comprising run off with minerals in the watershed diluting influence of water buffering capacity of the water or other chemical or physical properties of the water and watershed Using sensors and colorimetric kits explore water quality parameters in two different settings or in a body of water at different times of the year before and after a rain storm or at different locations relative to a point source of pollution Record all data including air temperature and relevant weather and ecosystem data e g surrounding terrain nature of run off surrounding vegetation terrestrial and aquatic plants and animal species observed etc Collect water samples and examine using a microscope Conduct microbiological analysis for coliform bacterial Analyze data looking for notable differences in water quality parameter levels between the two situations Develop hypotheses regarding the effect these differences in parameter levels might have on the content
152. reating long term monitoring projects GIS Function My World GIS is a Geographic Information System GIS With My World GIS students can analyze water quality data based on spatial relationships Consider the following example showing samples collected along a creek with the GPS Position Sensor and the Water Quality Sensor pH data mapped over an aerial photo of the Pleasant Grove Creek area 99 GPSIGIS A table display of the data shown at right shows the connection to all collected data and exemplifies My World GIS as a database for storing water quality information for long term studies Transferring the data to My World GIS is a simple two step process First download the data to a USB flash drive then open the data set from within My World GIS For additional information about using GPS and GIS together see the related pages in the PASCO scientific website Using Coordinate Markers Both the Xplorer GLX and the SPARK Science Learning System have the ability to create coordinate 101x Windows 39 Records of 39 Find Make Selection From Rows Export markers for use in applications where returning to a very specific location at a later date is important For information on using coordinate markers see Tech Tip 2 8 100 PS 2829A Teaching Strategies Water Quality Field Guide Teaching Tips Teaching Strate
153. related compounds i e chlorite chloramines and chloride dioxide see ideal levels section What factors affect chlorine levels Chlorine is not a natural constituent of water Free available chlorine and combined available chlorine appear in surface or ground water as a result of use of chlorine gas Cl or one of the chlorine compounds such as those listed above for disinfection of domestic sewage to control organisms that grow in cooling water systems or 1n industrial processes pH affects the ratio between HOCI hypochlorous acid the bactericidal agent in the use of chlorine for disinfection and OC hydrochloric acid with 96 HOCI remaining at pH 6 72 at pH 7 22 at pH 8 and 3 at pH 9 As HOCI dissociates into OCI and hydrogen ions pH is lowered and alkalinity decreases Chlorine compounds can be removed from water using technologies such as filtration enhanced coagulation or enhanced water softening or through chemical reactions such as with sodium thiosulfate NaS203 which reacts with the chlorine or the chlorine portion of the chloramine to form harmless chloride ions a technique used when adding tap water to aquaria Dissolved chlorine gas will slowly outgas from a warm body of water particularly if the water is aerated What are ideal chlorine values In natural waters the less total chlorine the better Species vary as to their sensitivity to chlorine but all are sensitive to low levels chlorine levels
154. relation of National Science Content Standards and suggested water quality testing activities orade leyele 9 throe ADS A A A R 6 About integration of water quality studies into state science standards c cccccccescccsccceseceesceeeecseeees 7 Basic Water Quality Concepts a asco 9 Des enated er sn hbrisriiieihisshbishenbiteiirb s 11 Designated Use and PASCO s Measuring Technology ooccoocncnccnnocncnonnnonnnocnonononocnnocnnncnnnccnononnncnnnacnnnonon 11 Quality standardstor deinking w ten 2 a Renten 11 Quality of natural water bodies quality considerations for natural bodies of water and their o EE E E 11 Summary of Typical Factors Used in Conducting a Water Body Survey and Assessment 12 Water Qualy Ide ai 13 Parameter and Measurement Information ccccccccssssssssccccccssssssscccccccessssscccccccesssssccessccssesssscesssoeeeees 17 A aasastdiaatant 19 What is ala iia 19 Why measure 2 ea IT 07 ari iii 19 What tactorsattectalka nit ts 20 What are ideal alkalinity values cooonninnnnnocncncnnnonnnncnnnonnnncnonononccnnnonnnonononnnnrnnnononornnnrnonononornnncnnnonnninnnns 20 Measuring LLOC CAU sas 21 SPRAIN TIM VASE ES RN 23 Whatis ammonia nessa A A iii 23 WAY measure an mona A A nae A ee ers ee 23 What Taelors ffeet ammonia levels a A A A A de 23 WHatareadealammonia vales 24 WMeasurimo Procedure racic asta Sips nen ES 25 Biological Oxygen Demand DI at Ad A bd 27 What s biolog eal oxy ee
155. relatively high amounts of dissolved salts The term is most often employed to describe water that would if evaporated fully leave behind salts incorporating sodium calcium or magnesium Salinity is the degree to which a water is saline In the 1970s salinity was redefined as the conductivity ratio of a water sample to a standard potassium chloride KC solution Why measure salinity Salinity measurement is one of the most important factors in determining the types of plants or animals that can live in or near a body of water The affects of salinity are felt strongly in the agricultural industry where the proper landscape irrigation is dependent upon water quality If the salinity content of irrigation water is too high salts build up in the soil and starve root systems of water Plants affected by highly saline irrigation waters will exhibit dwarfing and yellowing of leaves or may lose leaves altogether Highly saline soils cause an osmotic effect that adversely affects less salt tolerant plants Water naturally moves from less salty areas to areas containing higher concentrations of salt osmosis The more salt that accumulates in soil the more energy a plant must exert to pull water through the root system and into the plant Once the salt concentration becomes so high that the plant is unable to retrieve water from the soil injury or death will occur Water Type Salinity Value An accumulation of salts in soil can additionally pp
156. rganic nitrogen and ammonia should be considered as potential nitrate sources As discussed in the Ammonia section both ammonia and nitrite are toxic to fish and other aquatic life forms Testing for nitrate can identify the occurrence of pollution containing nitrates and the possible presence of toxic forms of nitrogen Natural waters polluted with nitrates and phosphates which commonly occur from runoff from farms and feed lots undergo accelerated eutrophication the process by which a body of water becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients This results in algae blooms followed by excessive 97 Nitrate bacterial respiration as bacteria break down the accumulated biomass of the algae which consumes all the dissolved oxygen in the water causing anoxic conditions that result in fish kills and the death of other aquatic organisms What factors affect nitrate values The major sources of nitrogen entry into water bodies are municipal and industrial waste waters septic tanks and feed lot discharges The primary nitrogenous forms include nitrogenous fertilizer industrial organics industrial inorganics explosives and paper and pulp mills Runoff from farms following fertilization of crops lawn fertilization and landfills as well as atmospheric fallout and nitric oxide and nitrite discharges from automobile exhausts and other combustion processes are other sources of nitrates in natural waters The primary inorganic nitrates that may
157. rmocline Department of Atmospheric Sciences University of Illinois Journal Weather World 2010 Project Available from http ww2010 atmos uiuc edu Gh wwhlpr thermocline rxml Turbidity 2008 Turbidity Water on the Web Available from http waterontheweb org under waterquality turbidity html 2005 Washington Lower Yakima River changes in irrigation practices reduce turbidity Nonpoint Source Program Success Story Available from http www epa gov nps Success319 state wa_yakima htm 2004 Rowe D J Smith and E Williams Lethal Turbidities and Native Fish Water amp Atmosphere National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research New Zealand 12 2 p 26 27 Singleton H Available from http www niwa co nz news and publications publications all wa 12 2 native 2002 Healthy water healthy people testing kit manual The Watercourse International Project WET 201 Culbertson Hall Montana State University PO Box 170575 Bozeman Montana USA 59717 0570 Available from http www healthywater org 2002 Ground water and drinking water Available from http water epa gov drink 2001 Water quality ambient water quality guidelines criteria for turbidity suspended and benthic sediments Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection British Columbia Canada Available from http www env gov bc ca wat wq BCguidelines turbidity turbidity html 1976 Quality criteria for water Red Book U S Environmental Protection Agency A
158. robe Click the READ FROM SENSOR button The sensor reading will fill the Sensor Value box Click OK The display will return to the Calibrate Sensor screen Click OK to return to the Experiment Tools screen Click OK again to return to the experiment B 3 APPENDIX B SPARKVUE TECH TIPS 2 6 Calibrating the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor or Water Quality Sensor Calibration of the DO sensor must be performed at or near the temperature and barometric pressure of the natural water body being tested To find the most accurate reference value you will need the barometric pressure at the test site You can use a PASCO Barometer Low Pressure Sensor to determine the local barometric pressure or you could call the local weather station to find the barometric pressure being sure to ask for the station pressure not the altimeter or sea level pressure You will also need to know the temperature of the water you will be testing Then you can use an online calculator such as the one provided by Frostburg State University to calculate the 100 saturation value in terms of mg L DO Alternatively you can create your own equations to make the calculation using information from the Internet or from the PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor User Manual You may want to make a table of values that bracket the temperature you expect to find at the test site before heading into the field If you are measuring dissolved oxygen in saline water
159. rom http water epa gov lawsregs rulesregs sdwa stagel 1985 W A Brungs D P Middah Ambient water quality criteria forchlorine 1984 U S Environmental Protection Agency Available from U S Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water Regulations and Standards Criteria and Standards Division Washington DC 20460 Dissolved Carbon Dioxide 2006 Catfish Water quality Mississippi State University Extension Service Available from http msucares com aquaculture catfish water html 2006 P Ford Partial pressure of carbon dioxide OzCoasts Geoscience Australia Available from http www ozcoasts org au indicators water_column_partial_pressure jsp 2001 Volcanic lakes and gas releases U S Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory Avatlable from http vulcan wr usgs gov Glossary Lakes description_volcanic_lakes_gas_release html 1996 J Hargreaves and M Brunson Carbon dioxide in fish ponds Southern Regional Aquaculture Center Pub 468 Available from http aquanic org publicat usda_rac efs srac 468fs pdf Dissolved Oxygen 2006 F Senese How can I predict oxygen solubility in water Frostburg State University General Chemistry Online Available from http antoine frostburg edu chem senese 101 solutions faq predicting DO shtml 2004 Dissolved oxygen Why is 1t important Water on the Web WOW Available from http waterontheweb org under waterquality oxygen html PASPORT Dissolved oxygen sen
160. s omnivore carnivore analysis reference reach comparison Water Quality Handbook 2nd Edition Chapter 2 Designation of Uses 1994 Environmental Protection Agency PASCO offers measuring technology for these parameters References 1 National Drinking Water Standards 2002 U S Environmental Protection Agency 2 National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations Current Drinking Water Standards 2006 U S Environmental Protection Agency 3 Water Quality Handbook 2nd Edition Chapter 2 Designation of Uses 1994 U S Environmental Protection Agency 12 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Water Quality Index A water quality index WQI incorporates several key indicators of water quality into one score for purposes of monitoring and comparing water quality over time The first WQI was proposed by researchers associated with the National Sanitation Foundation in 1970 1 Note This WQI is essentially a eutrophication index For this index the following 9 parameters are measured Biological oxygen demand also known as the 5 day biochemical oxygen demand or BOD Dissolved oxygen Fecal coliform bacteria Nitrate pH Temperature lt Total dissolved solids TDS Total phosphates Turbidity A Q value is a value statistically derived that allows varying water quality tests to be compared Each measurement is associated with its Q value as shown on the graphs enart a Chart 2 Chart 3 BOD Test Re
161. s a measure of the cloudiness of water indicating the presence of suspended solids and colloidal material such as clay silt sand sediment minerals microorganisms and chemicals Technically turbidity is an optical property of the water based on the amount of light reflected by suspended particles Turbidity is measured with a nephelometer which uses a light beam and photoelectric cell to electronically measure the amount of light scattered by suspended particles in nephelometric turbidity units NTU Turbidity is not the same as clarity Clarity is a property of water that is affected not only by suspended solids but also by chemicals that color the water Clarity is measured using a Secchi disk which is a disk with black and white areas on it Clarity is quantified in terms of the maximum number of meters that the Secchi disk can be lowered into the water and still be seen A rule of thumb is that light can penetrate water 2 to 3 times the maximum depth at which a Secchi disk can be seen Turbidity is also not the same as total suspended solids because different types of suspended solids reflect light differently Total suspended solids are determined by filtering the water and measuring the mass of the solid material that is filtered out of the water after it has been dried However measuring turbidity is a quick way to estimate the amount of total suspended solids 1 4 Why measure turbidity Turbidity is one of the most common wat
162. s and ecosystems diversity and adaptation of organisms D Earth and Space Science Develop understanding of the structure of the earth system including e water cycle e water as a solvent e the sun s role in water quality and the water cycle E Science and Technology Develop abilities to design and assess technology Develop understandings about science and technology F Science in Personal and Social Perspectives Develop understanding of personal health populations resources and environments natural hazards risks and benefits science and technology in society Develop hypotheses about variations in temperature in a body of water over time at different depths at different locations etc Using a temperature sensor record temperature to test the hypotheses Display graphs and tables of the data and explain temperature variations verifying or nullifying the hypotheses Using sensors explore temperature pH turbidity suspended solids and conductivity total dissolved solids in two different bodies of water in a body of water at different times of the year or before and after a rain storm Conduct a survey of two distinctly different watershed areas and the waterways Have students record careful observations of the terrain terrestrial and aquatic vegetation insects birds and other animals that can be observed Using sensors have students record the ambient air temperature and the temperature pH c
163. s are less bothered by occasional natural increases in turbidity such as during spring floods than they are by sustained elevations in turbidity such as those in areas of increased human caused erosion For example some species of fish can tolerate very high levels of turbidity even more than 10 000 NTU for several days but months of exposure to turbidities as low as 500 NTU can be fatal Long term exposure to turbidity levels as low as 10 NTU to 50 NTU can inhibit growth and reproduction One study showed marked variations between fish species regarding tolerance for turbidity one species smelts had a 50 mortality rate after exposure for 24 hours to water with turbidities of 1700 NTU to 3000 NTU while turbidities of 17 500 NTU to 21 000 NTU were required for 50 mortality for another species inanga Young organisms are usually more sensitive to turbidity than older ones Some fish species exhibit avoidance behavior or refuse to spawn at turbidities as low as 20 NTU Maximum recommended turbidity levels by designated use Designated Use Maximum Turbidity Level NTU Reference Drinking water 0 3 5 depends upon circumstances Ref Swimming recreation 50 NTU Ref Aquatic life 1500 NTU depends upon the species Ref Aquatic life Increase of 8 NTU over a natural background of Ref 80 NTU or less Increase of 10 when a natural background is gt 80 NTU Irrigation terrestrial life Increase of 10 NTU when natural background is Re
164. s are listed in the table below however refinements and modifications that apply to local variations of conditions have more recently been adopted 34 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Maximum safe levels for total residual chlorine for various designated uses Designated Use Maximum Safe Level of Total Residual Chlorine Freshwater aquatic life salmonids 2 ug L Freshwater aquatic life non salmonids 10 ug L Marine aquatic life 10 ug L Tap water 4 ug Le maximum contamination level MCL of either chloramines or free chlorine Other chlorine substances regulated by the EPA in drinking water include chlorite maximum contamination level MCL of 1 0 and chlorine dioxide MCL of 0 8 mg L Further information can be found in the referenced material listed below refer to the Recommended Reading and Resources section for more information Measuring Procedure The measuring procedure for chlorine uses the Water Quality Colorimeter and the Chlorine ezSample Test Kit as follows 1 Plug the Water Quality Colorimeter into the data collection system 2 1 and turn on the system Task Result On some data collection systems a digits display will appear by default for ammonla 2 Calibrate the Water Quality Colorimeter 3 1 Taking a Chlorine Measurement SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Wear safety glasses and protective gloves e Review the MSDS for each of the Chlorine ezSample reagents and have them a
165. s quality considerations for natural bodies of water and their ecosystems When evaluating water quality for natural water bodies a complex interplay of physical chemical and biological factors must be considered PASCO offers measuring technology for many of the typical chemical factors as well as for some of the physical factors see the table below 11 Welcome to the Water Quality Field Guide Reference Manual Summary of Typical Factors Used in Conducting a Water Body Survey and Assessment Physical Factors instream characteristics size mean width depth flow velocity annual hydrology total volume reaeration rates gradient pools riffles temperature sedimentation channel modification channel stability substrate composition and characteristics channel debris sludge deposits riparian characteristics downstream characteristics Chemical Factors dissolved oxygen DO toxicants suspended solids turbidity nutrients nitrogen nitrate nitrite phosphorous phosphate sediment oxygen demand salinity hardness alkalinity pH dissolved solids Biological Factors biological inventory existing use analysis fish macroinvertebrates microinvertebrates phytoplankton macrophytes coliform bacteria biological potential analysis diversity indices habitat suitability index HSI models tissue analyses recovery index intolerant species analysi
166. samples Note Use a pouring method that minimizes the introduction of air bubbles such as pouring slowly down the side of the bottle From the table below select a range of 3 dilutions that bracket the anticipated BOD of the test sample Suggestion If you do not have an idea of this range use the first 3 dilutions on the table Using a graduated cylinder measure each specified volume of test water and pour it into the BOD bottle as noted in Step 4 Fill the BOD bottles to the brim with the dilution water and cap the bottle so it is air tight being careful to avoid trapping an air bubble Incubate the BOD bottles at room temperature for 5 days Note If the BOD bottles are not completely opaque incubate in a dark room or box After 5 days measure the DO level in each BOD bottle as in Step 3 and record the result 31 Biological Oxygen Demand Example dilutions for the 5 day BOD test Anticipated Range of the BOD Value Milliliters Milliliters mg L of Sample of Dilution Water AT no It is necessary to dilute the original test sample if it has a BOD that is greater than this range Calculating the 5 day BOD 1 Select the dilution for which the 5 day DO reading dropped at least 2 mg L from the first reading but remained above 1 mg L Note If more than 1 dilution fell into this category calculate the 5 day BOD for each one and then average the results for the final BODs value 2 Use the following formula to
167. se the holes near the end of the sensor Swirl the probe to be sure any alr bubbles are removed from the end of the probe 4 Take additional measurements as needed following the procedure above 5 From the conductivity values apply the conversion factor to calculate TDS see Determining TDS above References 1 Holmes Farley R What is TDS Reefkeeping 2004 4 www reefkeeping com issues 2004 04 rhf feature accessed Oct 1 2010 2 Secondary Drinking Water Regulations Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals PA 810 K 92 001 July 1992 United States Environmental Protection Agency http www epa gov safewater consumer 2ndstandards html accessed Oct 1 2010 3 Quality Criteria for Water Red Book 1976 Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency 4 Explanation of Standard Potable Water Supply Series of Analyses Wyoming Department of Agriculture Analytical Services File PWSTDEXP DOC 07 19 2002 http wyagric state wy us images stories pdf aslab pwdataexp pdf accessed Oct 1 2010 5 Industrial Waste Abatement and Management Total Dissolved Solids TDS Q amp A http www albuw ait ac th Group_R TDS report 4 Database Q amp A htm accessed Sept 28 2010 6 Murphy S General Information on Solids City of Boulder USGS Water Quality Monitoring http ben boulder co us basin data NUTRIENTS info TDS html accessed Oct 1 2010 89 Water Quality Field Guide Turbidity What is turbidity Turbidity 1
168. see the table of desirable dissolved oxygen values below for examples Very high levels of DO can cause pipe corrosion adding unwanted iron or other metals to the water causing a deterioration in taste and clarity which is a consideration for designated use of drinking water On the other hand water that has very low levels of DO can cause the leaching of iron and manganese from sediments which can affect the taste and color of water in addition to staining plumbing fixtures or other materials that the water contacts The presence of DO prevents the occurrence of anaerobic conditions that support the growth of anaerobic bacteria which produce noxious or malodorous gases such as methane CH3 or hydrogen sulfide H25 A special test for the presence of biologically available organic materials called the 5 day biological oxygen demand BOD test uses DO as an indicator The BOD test measures the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria from the decomposition of organic matter Water that has a high level of biologically available organic materials such as dead plant and animal tissue or ammonia requires more chlorine to achieve sanitation It will also fall significantly in DO concentration as time goes on due to bacterial respiration Both DO and the BOD are included in all of the water quality indexes 45 Dissolved Oxygen What factors affect dissolved oxygen Many factors affect the concentration of dissolved oxygen in wa
169. sh shellfish and wildlife Recreation Agriculture industry Navigation lt Coral reef preservation Marinas Groundwater recharge Aquifer protection Hydroelectric power This manual is targeted primarily towards exploring water quality as t relates to public water supplies protection and propagation of fish shellfish and wildlife and recreation These issues are of most immediate concern to students and teachers and these relate most closely to science curriculum standards Quality standards for drinking water The most stringent water quality standards are those for drinking water The U S Environmental Protection Agency EPA has published regulations for maximum contamination levels as well as public health goals for 87 substances comprising the following Disinfectants Disinfection byproducts Inorganic chemicals Microorganisms Organic chemicals Radionuclides Among these PASCO provides measuring technology for two of these chlorine and turbidity In addition the EPA has designated 15 substances as nuisance substances that may cause cosmetic effects such as skin or tooth discoloration or aesthetic effects such as taste odor or color in drinking water For these substances the EPA recommends secondary standards however these recommendations are not enforced PASCO provides measuring technology for two of these pH and total dissolved solids Quality of natural water bodie
170. sodium Na5 aluminum Al potassium K carbonate CO3 bicarbonate HCO phosphate PO chloride CN nitrate NO7 and sulfate SO Conductivity is commonly measured using a specially designed probe and is expressed in units of microsiemens per centimeter uS cm Conductivity is the reciprocal of resistivity a measure of how resistive water is to conducting an electrical current Thus conductivity can also be expressed in units of mhos cm as the reciprocal of resistance measured in ohms Mhos is the same as seimens and is the reciprocal of ohms The term mhos comes from the term ohms spelled backwards Why measure conductivity Measuring conductivity is a quick and easy way to estimate the amount of total dissolved solids TDS in natural waters since most of these solids dissolve to form ions Whereas total dissolved solids can include organic as well as inorganic molecules conductivity depends only upon dissolved ions Conductivity measurements can also be a useful tool for monitoring the inflow of saline water in estuaries and identifying sources of pollution such as mining or industrial waste or agricultural runoff Conductivity is an important factor in soil analysis as transport of micronutrients through plant roots can be affected by the conductivity of the soil The salinity of soil dramatically affects the types of plants that can grow in soil and can be measured indirectly with a Conductivity Sensor
171. solved oxygen see the Dissolved Oxygen section45 Dissolved CO levels are related to the pH as previously discussed The alkalinity affects dissolved CO levels through the following chemical reaction CORR N er mg L as CaCO aj E 3 x 2 a c S 2 L a O o O u IL CaCO CO HO Ca 2HC0O3 Dissolved CO levels pH and alkalinity are interrelated 41 Dissolved Carbon Dioxide The Free Carbon Dioxide figure illustrates the relationship between dissolved COs alkalinity and pH Note that at low levels of alkalinity increased dissolved CO levels cause greater decreases in pH than at higher levels of alkalinity which buffer against changes in pH In fast moving shallow streams the primary source of dissolved CO is CO gas from the air which 1s readily dissolved in the turbulent waters until 1t reaches the saturation level then gas exchange with the air keeps the dissolved CO at a relatively constant level The large surface to air ratio of these streams also increases the exchange of dissolved CO with CO gas from the air Biological factors affecting dissolved CO are more predominant in slow moving or stagnant bodies of water In lakes ponds and slow moving rivers dissolved CO levels are related primarily to the process of photosynthesis by aquatic plants and phytoplankton which causes a reduction in dissolved CO levels during the day and the process of cel
172. sor user manual PASCO scientific Available from http www pasco com 118 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Hardness 2006 Hard water hardness Wilkes University Center for Environmental Quality Wilkes University Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences PO Box 111 84 West South Street Wilkes Barre PA 18766 Available from http www water research net hardness htm 2003 T A Bauder R M Waskom J G Davis Irrigation water quality criteria Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Available from http www ext colostate edu PUBS crops 00506 html Nitrate 2006 Consumer factsheet on nitrates nitrites U S Environmental Protection Agency Ground Water Drinking Water 2006 Available from http www epa gov safewater pdfs factsheets ioc nitrates pdf 2005 K Hitt B Nolan Nitrate in groundwater Using a model to simulate the probability of nitrate contamination of shallow ground water in the conterminous United States USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program Reston VA U S Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 2881 Available from http pubs usgs gov sim 2005 2881 2001 J Domagalski Z Xinquan L Chao Z Deguo Fan Lan Chi X Kaitai et al Comparative water quality assessment of the Hai He River Basin in the People sRrepublic of China and three similar basins in the United States U S Geological Survey Professional Paper1647 Available from http pubs usgs gov pp pp1647
173. stages eggs embryos and forms up to about 34 days after hatching are present The values are stratified according to pH and temperature Freshwater plants are appreciably more tolerant to NH than are invertebrates or fish so ammonia criteria that are appropriate for the protection of aquatic animals will also be protective of plant life However many saltwater fish and invertebrates are more sensitive to NH than are those living in fresh water In saltwater aquaria removal and replacement of tank water on a regular basis is the best way to control ammonia levels The EPA does not have regulations or recommendations regarding ammonia in drinking water Further information can be found in the referenced material listed below refer to the Recommended Reading and Resources section for availability information U S EPA chronic criteria for ammonia NH3 H20 NH maximum allowed for fish when early life stages are present mg N L pH Temperature C 0 14 18 22 26 30 6 5 6 67 6 67 5 33 4 12 3 18 2 46 7 0 5 91 5 91 4 72 3 78 2 92 2 25 7 5 4 36 4 36 3 49 2 69 2 26 1 61 8 0 2 43 2 43 1 94 1 50 1 16 0 773 8 5 1 09 1 09 0 870 0 672 0 520 0 401 9 0 0 486 0 486 0 389 0 300 0 232 0 179 U S EPA chronic criteria for ammonia NH3 H20 NH maximum allowed for fish when early life stages are absent mg N L pH Temperature C 0 7 12 16 6 5 10 8 7 84 6 06 7 0 9 6 6 95 5 37 7 5 7 09 5 13 3 97 8 0 3 95 2 86 2 21 8 5 1 77 1 28 0 990
174. standing on a bank or the shore take care to stand on solid non slippery ground The extended pole and the strong flow of the river or stream can set you off balance If standing on a bridge or in a boat do not lean over the edge Wear life jackets when necessary lt Do not let the data collection device fall into the water Use a lanyard or tether to secure it 1 Take the first measurement a Immerse the end of the Flow Rate Temperature probe into the water just below the surface Point the arrow on the impeller in the direction of stream flow Task Result The flow rate and temperature values appear on the display b Observe the display Record the velocity and temperature of the water when the value stabilizes c Ifthe reading drops to zero remove the probe and clean debris from the impeller 2 Take additional measurements as needed following the procedure above References 1 U S Environmental Protection Agency Water Our Waters Rivers amp Streams Monitoring amp Assessment Stream Flow http water epa gov type rsl monitoring vms51 cfm accessed Sept 29 2010 2 Department of Ecology State of Washington River and Stream Flow Monitoring http www ecy wa gov programs eap flow shu_main html accessed Sept 29 2010 3 U S Geological Survey WaterWatch Current Water Resources Conditions http waterwatch usgs gov accessed Sept 29 2010 77 Water Quality Field Guide Temperature What is
175. such as for carbonated beverages In other instances alkalinity is desirable because water with higher alkalinity is much less corrosive however water that is very high in alkalinity can be corrosive 19 Alkalinity What factors affect alkalinity Both alkalinity and the acid neutralizing capacity ANC of natural water are determined by the soil and bedrock through which 1t passes The main sources for natural alkalinity are rocks that contain carbonate bicarbonate and hydroxide compounds Borates silicates and phosphates also may contribute to alkalinity The presence of calcium carbonate or other compounds such as magnesium carbonate contribute carbonate ions CO37 bicarbonate ions HCO37 or carbonic acid H2CO3 depending on the water s pH to the buffering system At a pH gt 10 33 carbonate is predominant at pH 6 4 to 10 33 bicarbonate is predominant at pH lt 6 4 carbonic acid is predominant The negative carbonate and bicarbonate ions combine with the positive hydrogen ions H removing them from the solution and thereby increasing the pH Limestone is rich in carbonates so water flowing through limestone regions or bedrock containing carbonates generally has high alkalinity and therefore a high buffering capacity Conversely water flowing though areas rich in granites and some conglomerates and sandstones may have low alkalinity and therefore poor buffering capacity Human activity such as discharging waste w
176. such as that pumped from wells can have high conductivity levels because of long time exposure to rock that contributes ions Water in arid regions can have high conductivity because of high levels of evaporation Infiltration of sea water can raise conductivity as can inflows of certain mining or industrial wastes Temperature effects must be considered Temperature affects conductivity each increase of 1 C causes an increase of about 2 in the conductivity Therefore when making comparisons between measurements temperature should be controlled or accounted for This is particularly important for measurements in mountain streams where the temperature effect would be large What are desirable levels of conductivity The range of conductivity levels that are considered good depends upon the designated use of the water For example low conductivity 1s desirable in drinking water Natural waters with low conductivity are very susceptible to changes in pH in response to added acids or bases and they have low nutrient value for aquatic organisms Irrigation water with high conductivity levels 38 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide reduces plant growth and yield see the tables above Marine fish require water with high conductivity salinity to survive Additional information regarding conductivity and water quality is available from the cited references 1 4 Measuring Procedure Plug the Conductivity Sensor into the data collec
177. sults Dissolved Oxygen Results Fecal Coliform Results m Q Value Q Value Q Value Pe ee tT la inal basi besii Lal u laal bim ksal lad Laas pal em 2 lazi I iz meen al ci pd us hs laa A La ao sa EN hal il da ial i asm ee J n 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 mg L Saturation Colonies 100 ml Note If BOD gt 30 Q 2 0 Note if saturation is gt 140 0 Q 50 0 Note if Fecal Coliform gt 100000 Q 2 0 Chart 4 Chart 5 Chart 6 Nitrate Results pH Results Temperature Results 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 Q Value Q Value Q Value ATI 1 11 FE O 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 mg L If Nitrates gt 100 0 Q 1 0 Note If pH is lt 2 0 or gt 12 0 Q 0 Degrees Celsius Water Quality Index Chart 8 Chart 9 Phosphate Results Turbidity Chart 7 Total Dissolved Solids Q Value Q Value Q Value O 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 mg L 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 NTU Note If TDS level gt 500 Q 20 Note If phosphate gt 10 0 Q 2 0 Note If Turbidity gt 100 0 Q 5 0 After data is collected the tables are used to find the associated Q value The Q value is then entered into a table such as the one on the worksheet below A weighting factor is assigned to each parameter dependi
178. t A 2 APPENDIX A SPARK SCIENCE LEARNING SYSTEM TECH TIPS 2 5 4 When the entire set has been recorded touch the Stop button D Result The data set closes Note If you accidentally stop the data collection early by touching the Stop button instead of the Keep button you will need to start over again from the beginning Calibrating the Conductivity Sensor or Water Quality Sensor Depending upon your goals the factory calibration of the Conductivity Sensor may be inadequate Conductivity measurements are usually used to provide an estimate of total dissolved solids TDS or to ascertain whether an additional more specific measurement of a particular ion is needed If calibration is required you will need a conductivity standard in the approximate range and at the same temperature as that of the unknown solution you will be testing Obtaining a conductivity standard You can make your own conductivity standard solutions or you can purchase them from a supply company such as Hach Company or Cole Parmer For most purposes a standard solution that you make will be sufficient However for high accuracy measurements use a commercially prepared and standardized solution appropriate to your measuring situation See the Preparation of standard solutions table below Preparation of standard solutions weight Mass of NaCl TDS ppm or Conductivity approx mg mg L uS cm at 25 C 0 001 10 10 21 4 0 01 100 10
179. t 27 Biological Oxygen Demand The BOD test is used to measure the potential of wastewater and other waters to deplete the oxygen level of receiving waters The test 1s also used to examine influents and effluents from wastewater processing facilities to compute the efficiency of operation of the treatment units Chart 1 The Q curve for BOD used in ii calculating a water quality index illustrates the relationship between BOD and water quality What factors affect BOD levels Human and animal waste in sewage is a significant contributor to elevated BOD levels Runoff containing fertilizer from farms and other sources contributes to accelerated eutrophication in which water bodies become choked with excessive plant 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 growth which contributes to the mg L carbonaceous organic content of water bodies as these plants die and decompose Q Value BEER BEER A A A II a a a AAA Tl TP Tt LCC i i iii BEREDT Ze AS IA Note If BOD gt 30 Q 2 0 Levels of BOD can be reduced by the introduction of low BOD water from rain or snow melt Additionally when an mals and plants die and settle on the bottom of the water body under conditions that permanently remove them from the water column BOD levels can drop Ultimately river waters with high BOD discharge into the oceans where nutrients become highly diluted The high BOD levels of untreated sewage are greatly reduc
180. t cause changes in the physical properties of the soil 05 Irrigation waters that are high in sodium can cause clay to break down in a process known as Brackish water 0 5 to 30 deflocculation As a result of deflocculation soil Saline water 30 to 50 becomes more compact reducing the soil s i ws Seawater average 35 water carrying capacity by decreasing its aeration Brine gt 50 The salt content of bodies of water likewise dictates the organisms that live in that body of water Many aquatic plants and animals can tolerate a wide range of salinities but often prefer a specific salinity concentration in which to reproduce 71 Salinity Fish like plants depend upon osmosis to regulate their internal fluids This process 1s known as osmoregulation Fish in saline waters must prevent loss of excess water due to osmosis by drinking sea water and excreting or secreting the excess salts Freshwater fish on the other hand must work to maintain the salt concentration of their internal fluids and must continuously excrete excess water The Salinity Sensor measures salinity conductivity and temperature The Salinity Sensor s range for conductivity 1s higher than the range in the Conductivity Sensor which makes the Salinity Sensor more useful for testing brackish or estuarine water The sensor determines salinity based on electrical conductivity The sensor carries out a built in calculation to compensate for the change in conductivity
181. t largely from the opportunity to see the testing equipment in an industrial setting For example Palmer was able to arrange for several of his students to test their water samples at the local water treatment plant and the operators showed them how to use all of their equipment including the high pressure liquid chromatography HPLC device and spectrophotometer The local TV station may be engaged to film the culminating activity that students put together with the total set of data they have collected during the year For example Palmer s classes reported on their project for the local TV station s Evening News for three years in a row A local park service may invite your students to present their culminating report at a public information session For example Palmer lined up a scheduled campfire session held on Friday nights during the summer by a local park as a venue for his students to report their findings 104 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Try to incorporate at least one field trip for on site sampling into your water quality studies Palmer points out that field study can provide the following benefits Builds group identity Supports kinesthetic learning Models the community of learners called for in the standards Always becomes cross curricular Stretches you as an instructor Fosters fun in learning Clarifies the authenticity of projects which become self evident to students Gives us a sense understanding abo
182. t of the screen Touch the name of that parameter A Touch the Digits Display button Continue to add parameters in this manner until you have added all parameters relevant to the experiment Note S x digits displays can be shown at once 5 Touch OK The display s will appear on a new page A 1 APPENDIX A SPARK SCIENCE LEARNING SYSTEM TECH TIPS 2 3 2 4 Putting the SPARK into manual sampling mode 1 Touch the Sampling Options button Result The Sampling Option screen opens 2 Touch Manual 3 Touch OK to close the Sampling Options screen Task result The SPARK is now ready to record manually sampled data Recording a set of manually sampled data If the SPARK is in manual sampling mode complete these steps to record a data set 1 Touch the Start button gt Alternatively you can press one ofthe Record buttons instead of touching the on screen Start button Result The SPARK creates a new data set Live data appear in the data displays The Record buttons start flashing to indicate that the SPARK is ready to be triggered When you are ready to trigger the recording of a data point touch the Keep button Alternatively you can press one ofthe Record buttons instead of touching the on screen Keep button Record buttons Result The SPARK records a single value from each measurement 3 Repeat Step 2 as many times as necessary to record all of the data you want in the data se
183. tection limit PDL defined as the lowest concentration at which less than 30 error is routinely obtained For the Chlorine ezSample Test Kit the range accuracy PDL and resolution are shown on the table below Note If your test result is at the maximum of the test range dilute the sample with distilled water and re test then make the correction for the dilution For example dilute 10 mL of sample with 10 mL of distilled water and then multiply the test result by 2 for the final concentration Chlorine ezSample Test Kit accuracy resolution and PDL mg L Range Accuracy PDL Resolution 0 6 0 1 0 5 0 1 References Quality Criteria for Water Red Book Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency 1976 Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule A Quick Reference Guide U S Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water 2001 Brungs WA Middah DP Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Chlorine 1984 U S Environmental Protection Agency 1985 List of Drinking Water Contaminants MCLs National Drinking Water Standards U S Environmental Protection Agency 2006 36 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Conductivity What is conductivity Conductivity is the measure of water s ability to conduct electricity depending on the concentration of dissolved ions in the water Dissolved ions in natural waters consist mainly of some combination of the following calcium Ca magnesium Mg
184. ted on leaves causing growth stunting Conversely in alkaline soils iron may be so insoluble that iron becomes unavailable to plants causing chlorosis or leaf yellowing disease Regarding recreational use of water suspended iron precipitates or deposits of yellow ochre or reddish iron oxides may interfere with swimming and may be aesthetically objectionable High concentrations of iron may signal the presence of industrial or mining waste or runoff 93 Iron What factors affect iron levels Prime pollution sources of iron are industrial wastes mine drainage waters and iron bearing groundwater pH affects iron levels since iron is more soluble in acidic conditions and is practically insoluble in alkaline conditions Acid rain can increase dissolved iron levels in natural waters particularly in waters with low alkalinity levels see also the Alkalinity section19 The level of dissolved oxygen affects iron concentrations In the presence of dissolved oxygen iron rapidly oxidizes to the ferric ion that then precipitates to the bottom as ferric hydroxide or ferric oxide In the absence of dissolved oxygen the ferrous ion can persist in solution This occurs in deep lakes that have an anaerobic layer near the bottom If hydrogen sulfide H2S is present ferrous sulfide FeS a black compound may form and precipitate producing black mineral muds What are ideal iron values The EPA has established a criterion of 0 3 mg L for n
185. ter Healthy People Testing Kit Manual 2002 Bozeman Montana The Watercourse International Project WET http projectwet org water resources education water quality education accessed Sept 30 2010 2 National Drinking Water Standards U S Environmental Protection Agency 2002 3 Quality Criteria for Water Red Book 1976 Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency 4 Turbidity Water on the Web http www waterontheweb org under waterquality turbidity html accessed Oct 1 2010 5 Washington Lower Yakima River Changes in Irrigation Practices Reduce Turbidity Nonpoint Source Program Success Story 2005 http www epa gov owow_keep NPS Success319 state wa_yakima htm accessed Oct 1 2010 6 Rowe D Smith J and Williams E Lethal Turbidities and Native Fish Water amp Atmosphere National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research New Zealand 2004 12 2 p 26 27 7 Singleton H Summary of Water Quality Guidelines for Turbidity Suspended and Benthic Sediments 2001 The Ministry of Environment Land and Parks British Columbia Canada http www niwa co nz news and publications publications all wa 12 2 native accessed Oct 1 2010 94 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Additional Options 95 Water Quality Field Guide Water Quality Sensor Overview The PASCO Water Quality Sensor is a MultiMeasure Sensor that comprises the following sensors Temperature Conductivity
186. ter and can work in combination to produce unexpected results It is important to understand the effect of each of these parameters on dissolved oxygen content Temperature Cold water can hold more DO than warm water can hold Seasonal variations in water temperature will affect DO The temperature of the water at the site of the sampling must be measured Atmospheric Pressure Water can hold more DO at high pressure than it can at low pressure at the same temperature Therefore the barometric pressure of the air at the site of the sampling must be taken Even small changes in barometric pressure can have an effect on the amount of measurable DO Photosynthesis Increases in photosynthesis cause increases in DO concentrations Respiration Increases in respiration cause decreases in DO concentrations Water mixing characteristics Deep stagnant water develops regions of very low DO concentration at the bottom whereas shallow swiftly moving turbulent water has high DO concentrations Causes increased DO concentrations Biologically available organic Causes decreased DO concentrations materials Nitrates Fertilizers or animal waste cause decreased DO concentrations or transient increases followed by decreases Salinity Water with high salinity such as ocean water holds slightly less DO at 100 saturation than fresh water Chemicals Sodium sulfite Na2SO3 for example is a chemical widely used in photographic development industrial dyeing oper
187. tering the ampoule holder or b the sensor measurement 1s out of range The blinking red light turns off when the reading 1s within the normal range Calibrating the Turbidity Sensor 1 Place a cuvette filled with distilled water in the turbidity sensor and close the lid Press the Calibration button on the sensor Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is in progress When the light starts blinking replace the cuvette with the standard 100 NTU cuvette included with the sensor and close the lid Press the button again Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is in progress When the light turns off the calibration process is complete C 8 Appendix D DataStudio Tech Tips The number following the symbol at the end of a procedure step refers to the numbered Tech Tip below which provides directions for operating DataStudio 2 1 Adding a sensor to your DataStudio experiment 1 If 1t 1s not already connected connect a PASPORT interface such as a USB Link PowerLink or Xplorer GLX to your computer Some interfaces also need to be connected to the AC power or turned on Connect the sensor to the PASPORT interface You can plug the sensor directly into the interface or use an extension cable between the sensor and interface Task Result DataStudio detects the sensor and adds it to your experiment 2 2 Showing Data Displays 1 The sensors available for the
188. that make up the earth s crust Iron 1s common in many rocks and soils especially in clay soils where it usually 1s a major component The primary forms of soluble iron in aquatic environments are the ferrous or bivalent ion Fe and the ferric or trivalent ion Fe however the ferric ion is not very soluble in water Iron also is bound up in organometallic compounds and colloidal forms Why measure iron Iron is an essential trace element required by both plants and animals It 1s vital to oxygen transport by hemoglobin in all vertebrates and some invertebrates Although iron 1s a required dietary element most iron is consumed through food not through water In some waters iron may be a limiting factor for the growth of algae and other plants especially in very alkaline conditions However excessive iron can adversely impact aquatic life Iron has been shown to be lethal to invertebrates that serve as fish food and to the fish themselves For example in the United States iron deposits in the Brule River in the states of Michigan and Wisconsin were found to have long term effects on fish food organisms even after the pumping of iron bearing waters from deep shaft iron mines had ceased Other studies have demonstrated lethal toxicity to carp pike and trout In the presence of dissolved oxygen iron in water from mine drainage is precipitated as ferric hydroxide Fe OH 3 a yellowish precipitate or as ferric oxide Fe gt O
189. the Calibrate Sensor screen Click OK to return to the Experiment Tools screen Click OK again to return to the experiment B 6 APPENDIX B SPARKVUE TECH TIPS Additional Sensor Calibrations On board Calibration 3 1 Calibrating the Water Quality Colorimeter 1 Plug the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter into the data collection system 2 1 and turn on the system By default two ammonia readings will become visible one for low range ammonia readings Ammonia L and one for high range ammonia readings Ammonia H Insert the ammonia ezSample snap vial calibration ampoule into the ampoule holder and cover it with the black cap Be sure to cover the ampoule completely with the cap Note Handle the ampoule by the tip and wipe the outside with a clean non abrasive cleaning tissue Important To avoid errors when calibrating or measuring do not use the Water Quality Colorimeter around bright lights Press the green Calibration button on the Water Quality Colorimeter Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is in progress Wait for the green light to turn off and then remove the calibration ampoule To check your calibration reinsert the calibration ampoule and cover 1t with the black cap The value should be approximately 0 If it is not repeat the calibration with special care Note Because of the calculations involved in the ammonia calibration curve the calibrated val
190. the need to conduct more specific analyses of specific ions to determine whether the water contains high levels of an ion that would make it unsuitable for a designated use For example water that is high in sodium is unsuitable for drinking by individuals who have difficulty metabolizing high levels of sodium such as some people suffering from cardiac disease or toxemia of pregnancy Water that has a high level of aluminum along with a low pH may inhibit plant growth Water that has very high levels of nutrients such as phosphate or nitrate is said to have undergone eutrophication which stimulates plant growth followed by an undesirable drop in dissolved oxygen content when this excess plant life dies supporting high levels of bacterial respiration The pH of water that is very low in conductivity is very sensitive to added acids such as occurs with acid rain What factors affect conductivity Conductivity 1s determined by several factors related to the concentration degree of dissociation valencies and mobilities of ions in solution thus the temperature of the solution also plays an important part The watershed of a body of water is the primary contributor of the ions that affect the conductivity of water Melted snow running through granite such as that in high mountain streams has low levels of conductivity Conversely water that runs off from limestone or agricultural regions has higher levels of conductivity Ground water
191. tilled water Accuracy resolution and practical detection limit PDL The accuracy of the Iron ezSample Test Kit is 10 at 75 of full scale range Accuracy may be compromised if test results are outside the stated test ranges The lower limit of the stated test range 1s the practical detection limit PDL defined as the lowest concentration at which less than 30 error is routinely obtained For the Iron ezSample Test Kit the range accuracy PDL and resolution are shown on the table below Note If your test result is at the maximum of the test range dilute the sample with distilled water and re test then make the correction for the dilution For example dilute 10 mL of sample with 10 mL of distilled water and then multiply the test result by 2 for the final concentration Iron ezSample Test Kit Accuracy resolution and PDL mg L Range Accuracy PDL Resolution 0 7 0 1 1 0 0 1 References 1 Quality Criteria for Water Red Book Washington D C U S Environmental Protection Agency 1976 2 National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals U S Environmental Protection Agency 1992 3 List of Drinking Water Contaminants amp MCLs National Drinking Water Standards U S Environmental Protection Agency 2006 99 Water Quality Field Guide Nitrate What is nitrate Nitrate NO is an ion that is formed by the complete oxidation of ammonium ions NH or nitrite ions NO
192. tion Under certain circumstances nitrate can be reduced in the body to nitrite in the gastrointestinal tract and this nitrite can move into the bloodstream and react with hemoglobin to produce methemoglobin Methemoglobin does not transport oxygen which is the role of hemoglobin This process occurs particularly in infants under 3 months of age because of their immature digestive tracts causing a disease called blue baby syndrome methemoglobinemia which can be lethal Serious and occasionally fatal poisonings of infants due to blue baby syndrome have occurred following ingestion of untreated well water shown to contain nitrate at concentrations greater than 10 mg L a situation frequently found in shallow farm and rural community wells often as the result of inadequate protection from barnyard drainage or from septic tanks 4 Because of this potential hazard to infants municipalities in the United States are required by the EPA to test tap water for nitrates once each year and once each quarter if nitrate levels are present above 50 percent of the maximum contamination level MCL Long term exposure to nitrates above the MCL may cause diuresis increased starchy deposits and hemorrhaging of the spleen and it has possible links to bladder and ovarian cancer and non Hodgkin lymphoma Regarding natural waters most nitrogenous materials in natural waters tend to be converted to nitrate so all sources of combined nitrogen particularly o
193. tion system 21 and turn on the system Note The Water Quality Sensor or the Salinity Sensor can also be used Calibration note The Conductivity Sensor does not need to be calibrated for general studies Press the button for the uS cm range of your sample If it is found that the Conductivity Sensor factory calibration is inadequate calibrate the Conductivity Sensor using a standard value 2 5 U for 0 1 000 uS cm A for 1 000 10 000 uS cm A ior 10 000 100 000 uS cm Taking a conductivity measurement 1 Ifrequired for your data collection system begin by building an experiment Otherwise set the display to show conductivity measurements 22 2 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 23 3 Immerse the end of the Conductivity or Salinity probe into the water to be measured When the reading stabilizes record the conductivity reading 2 4 Note Be sure to immerse the holes near the end of the sensor Swirl the probe to be sure any air bubbles are removed from the end of the probe 4 Take additional measurements as needed following the procedure above More background information More information about conductivity and its role in water quality may be found in the references listed below or in the Recommended Reading and Resources section References 1 Healthy Water Healthy People Testing Kit Manual 2002 Bozeman Montana The Watercourse International Project WET 2 National Seco
194. total dissolved solids values Measuring conductivity is a quick and easy way to estimate the amount of total dissolved solids TDS in natural waters since most of these solids dissolve to form ions TDS calculations are important when determining appropriate uses for water Determination of the conductivity and thus of the approximate concentration of TDS gives information about the water quality as 1t relates to certain designated uses such as for drinking water and for agricultural irrigation The amount of mineral and salt impurities in water can affect the amount of salt build up in agricultural land the corrosion of pipes and the toxicity of drinking water Calculating TDS can also be a useful tool for monitoring the inflow of saline water in estuarles and identifying sources of pollution such as mining or industrial waste or agricultural runoff 87 Total Dissolved Solids Total dissolved solids is therefore a parameter considered in water quality indexes refer to the section on Water Quality Index What factors affect total dissolved solids values Like salinity and conductivity TDS is determined by the concentration of ions in solution and the mobility of those ions Temperature evaporation ice formation and many of the other factors contributing to salinity fluctuations also affect total dissolved solids Agricultural runoff pollution nutrient runoff and a number of other sources associated with human activity also ac
195. ue may not be exactly 0 but may be approximately 0 However the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter will nevertheless produce values within the accuracy range listed in the instruction sheet for the Ammonia ezSample Snap Vial Note All calibration readings are stored in flash memory inside the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter When you unplug the Water Quality Colorimeter and reconnect it the Water Quality Colorimeter retains the last calibration reading However since it is possible the calibration button may be inadvertently pushed it is important for the most reliable results to do the calibration procedure immediately before taking the measurement B 7 APPENDIX B SPARKVUE TECH TIPS 3 2 Note A blinking red light on the Calibration button means either a the dark count is too high stray light is entering the ampoule holder or b the sensor measurement is out of range The blinking red light turns off when the reading is within the normal range Calibrating the Turbidity Sensor 1 Place a cuvette filled with distilled water in the turbidity sensor and close the lid Press the Calibration button on the sensor Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is in progress When the light starts blinking replace the cuvette with the standard 100 NTU cuvette included with the sensor and close the lid Press the button again Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is in
196. uide The pH test measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in water assessing how acidic or basic the solution is The pH of natural waters is a measure of the acid base equilibrium achieved by the various dissolved compounds salts and gases The pH value is the negative log of the hydrogen 1on concentration pH log H pH values range from 0 to 14 with 0 being the most acidic 7 being neutral and 14 being the most basic One pH unit equals a 10 times difference in acidity Since pH is defined as the negative log of the hydrogen ion concentration or rather more precisely the concentration of hydronium ions H30 which is the form taken by the hydrogen ion in aqueous solutions lower pH values indicate higher hydrogen ion concentrations higher acidity and each decrement in a pH unit represents a 10 fold increase in acidity Thus a substance that has a pH of 6 is 10 times more acidic than a substance with a pH of 7 a substance with a pH of 5 is 100 times 10 x 10 more acidic than a substance with a pH of 7 This relationship of a 10 fold change in acidity for every unit of pH is can be intuited from a consideration of pH values of common substances Referring to the table pH of common solutions you can relate the pH value to your own experience with some of these substances Substances at the ends of the pH range highly acidic and highly basic are highly reactive substances that can cause damage to
197. ure Setting up the Salinity Sensor 1 Plug the Salinity Sensor into the data collection system 2 1 Task Result On some data collection systems a digits display will appear by default for salinity 2 Calibrate the Salinity Sensor Taking a salinity measurement 1 If required for your data collection system begin by building an experiment 2 3 Otherwise set the display to show Salinity measurements 2 3 2 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 23 3 Immerse the end of the Salinity probe into the water to be measured When the reading stabilizes record the salinity measurement 2 4 Note Be sure to immerse the holes near the end of the sensor Swirl the probe to be sure any air bubbles are removed from the end of the probe 4 Take additional measurements as needed following the procedure above 73 Salinity References l Tarbuck E J and Lutgens F K Earth Science 10th ed Upper Saddle River NJ Pearson Education Inc 1997 357 Table 13 1 Rollins L Learn About Salinity and Water Quality Salinity Management Guide University of California at Davis 2007 http www salinitymanagement org Salinity 20Management 20Guide ls ls_3e html accessed Sept 28 2010 E Solomon L Berg D Martin Biology 6th ed Brooks Cole Publishing 2002 Tarbuck E J and Lutgens F K Earth Science 10th ed Upper Saddle River NJ Pearson Education Inc 1997 357
198. ure of the sample and barometric pressure 10 Adjust the end of the probe such that it 1s just above the top of the water in the soaker bottle 11 Shake the bottle vigorously for a few seconds and then gently shake off any water clinging to the end of the probe 12 Press to read Pt 2 13 Press OK to exit the Calibration screen Press to return to the Home screen APPENDIX C XPLORER GLX TECH TIPS 2 7 2 8 Calibrating the pH Sensor or Water Quality Sensor You will need buffer solutions of pH 4 and pH 10 and deionized water 1 2 10 11 12 13 Plug the pH Sensor into the Xplorer GLX From the Home screen press to open the Sensors screen Note If you have more than one sensor connected use the arrow keys to select the appropriate sensor across the top of the GLX screen Press again to open the Sensors menu Using the arrow keys select Calibrate and press V The first box should read pH Sensor If it does not press the V button until 1t appears The Calibration Type box should read 2 Point If it does not highlight this box press Y and select 2 Point Place the pH probe into the pH 4 buffer solution and wait for about 1 minute Select Pt 1 press Q and enter 4 the pH of the buffer solution Press C to read Pt 1 Result The Standard Value and Sensor Value for Point 1 will be filled with the standard value 4 and the reading from the sensor respectively Rinse the prob
199. ut our watersheds producing a sense of connection to them and responsibility for them Instills a sense of wonder about your local area Additionally he points out that multiple concepts can be taught from the field including the following Geology land forms soil types surface geology bedrock geology hydrology natural history Earth meteorology rocks and minerals river made landforms mineral cycles material hardness energy and water budget Biology taxonomy ecology invasive species population dynamics biotic interactions biomes macroinvertebrates human health Chemistry water quality spectroscopy heat capacity gas pressure solutions concentrations solubilities acid base reactions stoichiometry chemistry involved in nutrient cycles density conductivity battery chemistry Physics reflection absorption scattering refraction of light speeds of sound and light stream velocity GPS animal tracking velocity calculations electronics of sensing equipment projectile calculations design of habitat boxes friction Environmental land use population studies human footprint impact on earth pollution alternate energy water treatment natural resource management succession plant location preferences economics Note Remember that field trips do not necessarily involve buses There may be a suitable water body within walking distance of your school Pre trip planning Try to identify a suitable
200. uted throughout the water column As the surface of the water column warms the denser colder water sinks below it and the thermocline becomes reestablished Bass fishermen know that during spring and fall turnover bass can be found feeding at the surface During the summer months they will stay close to the top of the thermocline where the water is cooler than at the surface and thus holds more dissolved Example of a thermocline curve measured in a swimming pool oxygen The thermocline will be found at Swimming Pool greater depths as more and more surface water warms Deep lakes will allow the thermocline to exist 265 27 0 warm layer Tideg at greater depths than shallower lakes In a shallow body of water under conditions of little agitation the thermocline may be quite near the surface see picture In deep lakes and the ocean the thermocline may be located many meters from the surface and extend for hundreds of meters In any case the curve of a thermocline graph of temperature versus depth has a similar characteristic shape thermocline cool layer What are ideal thermocline values There is no particular best depth for thermoclines to become established For the vitality of an aquatic ecosystem 1t is vital that thermoclines disappear periodically so the nutrients and dissolved oxygen can be fully distributed throughout the water column A deeper thermocline in the ocean often obs
201. utton instead of the Keep button you will need to start over again from the beginning Calibrating the Conductivity Sensor or Water Quality Sensor Depending upon your goals the factory cal bration of the Conductivity Sensor may be inadequate Conductivity measurements are usually used to provide an estimate of total dissolved solids TDS or to ascertain whether an additional more specific measurement of a particular ion is needed If calibration is required you will need a conductivity standard in the approximate range and at the same temperature as that of the unknown solution you will be testing Obtaining a conductivity standard You can make your own conductivity standard solutions or you can purchase them from a supply company such as Hach Company or Cole Parmer For most purposes a standard solution that you make will be sufficient However for high accuracy measurements use a commercially prepared and standardized solution appropriate to your measuring situation See the Preparation of standard solutions table below Preparation of standard solutions weight Mass of NaCl TDS ppm or Conductivity approx mg mg L uS cm at 25 C 0 001 10 10 21 4 0 01 100 100 210 0 1 1000 1000 1 990 1 0 10 000 10 000 17 600 10 0 100 000 100 000 140 000 Put the mass of NaCl that will yield a conductivity value close to the range you will be measuring into a 1 L flask Add 500 mL of distilled water and stir until dissolved Then
202. vailable for reference 1 Follow the included Test Procedure instructions for the Chlorine ezSample Test Kit for sample preparation Steps 1 through 6 2 Ifrequired for your data collection system begin by building an experiment Otherwise set the display to show Chlorine measurements 2 2 3 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 923 4 Place the prepared test ampoule in the Water Quality Colorimeter and cover it with the black cap Note Handle the ampoule by the tip and wipe the outside glass lens clean with a non abrasive cleaning tissue Task Result The chlorine reading will automatically appear in the display There may be slight fluctuations so wait until the reading settles around a point 5 Record the chlorine reading 9 24 Note The units mg L and ppm parts per million are equivalent 35 Chlorine Disposal of the test vial l The ampoules may contain very low levels of potentially toxic substances see the MSDS sheet so check with your local regulatory agency regarding disposal procedures Carefully pour the test water down the drain Shake the glass tip remaining in the sample cup into the solid waste container Thoroughly rinse the sample cup with deionized or distilled water Accuracy resolution and practical detection limit PDL Accuracy may be compromised if test results are outside the stated test ranges The lower limit of the stated test range is the practical de
203. vailable from http www epa gov waterscience criteria wqcriteria html 120 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Resources Water Quality Index 2006 Why a water quality index Water fact sheet 2006 8 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey lowa Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey 109 Trowbridge Hall Iowa City IA 52242 1319 Available from http www igsb uiowa edu webapps gsbpubs pdf W FS 2006 08 pdf 2006 Oregon water quality index methodology Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Available from http www deq state or us lab wqm owqimeth htm 2004 Water quality index National Science Foundation Available from http www nsf org consumer just_for_kids index asp 2001 K Saffran K Cash K Hallard B Neary R Wright Canadian Council Of Ministers of the Environment ccme water quality index 1 0 user s manual Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life Available from http www ccme ca assets pdf wqi_usermanualfctsht_e pdf Other Informative Water Quality Web Sites Water on the Web About Us Our primary goal is to train students to understand and solve real world environmental problems Available from http www waterontheweb org aboutus index html Izaak Walton League SOS macro invertebrate counts Information about using macro invertebrates as indicators of water quality Available from http people virginia edu sos iwla Stream Stud
204. voir using a water sampler see the section on Water Sampling Equipment for ordering information Take samples at 1 to 2 meter intervals Plot out the temperature and DO profiles and find the thermocline See of any relationship between the thermal gradient and the DO gradient can be observed Make repeated visits over the course of the year to observe the Winter and Summer profiles and the Fall and Spring overturns 7 Conduct Izaak Walton League SOS macroinvertebrate counts Study the macroinvertebrate populations for indications of water quality The Stream Study is a macroinvertebrate study project developed through the University of Virginia and is based on material developed by the Save Our Streams Program of the Izaak Walton League of America 8 Explore point source pollution in your community If your community has a notable problem with point source pollution into a river or stream collect water samples using appropriate protective gear from places above at and below the point source bring the samples into class and test for one or two parameters using appropriate protective gear Examples of possible point source pollution include cattle or dairy farm row crop farm heavy industrial complex lt culvert that collects runoff from city streets golf courses 109 Teaching Tips construction sites zoos and animal preserves sewage treatment plant power plant mining operation Measure one or tw
205. w ground water for years under well oxygenated conditions About 13 percent of shallow wells sampled beneath agricultural and urban land use study areas as part of the National Water Quality Assessment NAWQA Program during 1992 99 exceeded the U S Environmental Protection Agency s drinking water standard for nitrate 10 milligrams per liter The graph shows the increasing risk of nitrate concentrations exceeding EPA drinking water standards as the depth of the well decreases Shallow ground water in relatively undeveloped areas of PERCENT OF WELLS EXCEEDING the United States contains about 1 milligram per liter DRINKING WATER STANDARD gt mg L of nitrate Excess nitrate in ground water is a worldwide problem because of widespread use of nitrogenous fertilizers For example one study found that ground water in an area in China had some areas in which the nitrate concentration in ground water exceeded 20 mg L In another example because of this problem England and Wales in 1996 adopted regulations that require monitoring vulnerable areas in those countries for nitrate levels with provisions for action programs in the event that excessive nitrate concentrations are detected MILLIGRAMS PER LITER AS N gt 0 gt 100 200 300 100 200 300 MEDIAN NITRATE CONCENTRATION DEPTHTO GROUND WATER FEET 58 PS 2829A Water Quality Field Guide Natural attenuation of nitrate the reduction in nitrate concentration
206. water source that is within walking distance of your school An ideal site might be a shallow relatively clean river that has a low bridge crossing for easy water sampling Arrange transportation if necessary Gather information about the natural history of the area from the local park service local history from the local library and topology from a good online map to enrich the experience Prepare students with a check list of items each is required to bring Get appropriate parental consent 105 Teaching Tips SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Y Visit the site ahead of time and look for potential problems including dangerous footing poisonous snakes or invertebrates water hazards potential for getting lost and plan to prepare students accordingly Use snapping lanyards to attach the data collection systems to the students This will prevent the data collection systems from falling into the water If a lanyard cannot be attached to the data collection system develop a technique with your students to prevent the device from accidentally falling into the water If the device should happen to fall into the water call Teacher Support immediately for help in drying and salvaging the system Inside the U S call 800 772 8700 outside the U S call 916 786 3800 Student notebooks Every student should have one even if you don t use them at first As your sophistication grows include Aerial photographs Data entry forms Interpretive
207. with the standard value 35 ppt and the reading from the sensor respectively Rinse the probe with deionized water Click OK The display will return to the Experiment Setup screen Close the window to return to the experiment D 5 APPENDIX D DATASTUDIO TECH TIPS Additional Sensor Calibrations On board Calibration 3 1 Calibrating the Water Quality Colorimeter 1 Plug the PASPORT Water Quality Colorimeter into the data collection system 2 1 and turn on the system By default two ammonia readings will become visible one for low range ammonia readings Ammonia L and one for high range ammonia readings Ammonia H Insert the ammonia ezSample snap vial calibration ampoule into the ampoule holder and cover it with the black cap Be sure to cover the ampoule completely with the cap Note Handle the ampoule by the tip and wipe the outside with a clean non abrasive cleaning tissue Important To avoid errors when calibrating or measuring do not use the Water Quality Colorimeter around bright lights Press the green Calibration button on the Water Quality Colorimeter Result The green light illuminates to indicate calibration is 1n progress Wait for the green light to turn off and then remove the calibration ampoule To check your calibration reinsert the calibration ampoule and cover it with the black cap The value should be approximately 0 If it 1s not repeat the calibration with
208. xygen before they are calibrated Plug in and power on the sensor and let it rest for a short amount of time It would be useful to build a graph and watch the dissolved oxygen in the sensor tip get used up When this process is complete calibrate the sensor in the standard way 47 Dissolved Oxygen Taking a Dissolved Oxygen Measurement l If required for your data collection system begin by building an experiment 22 Set your data collection system to Manual Sampling 22 3 Insert the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor into the solution Record the dissolved oxygen reading 2 4 Important Ensure that the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor has been maintained properly and that the membrane at the end of the probe is intact If the membrane is torn replace it before use Refer to the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor User Manual for details Selected reference values for 100 saturation of dissolved oxygen by altitude or barometric pressure and temperature Pressure feet in Hg mm Hg torr 1 000 28 86 733 2 000 27 82 707 3 000 26 82 681 4 000 25 84 656 5 000 24 89 632 6 000 23 98 609 7 000 23 09 586 8 000 22 22 564 9 000 21 38 543 10 000 20 57 522 11 000 19 79 503 References 1 PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor User Manual 2 3 Survey 4 5 0 14 6 14 1 13 6 13 1 12 6 12 2 11 7 11 3 10 8 10 4 10 0 9 7 12 8 12 3 11 9 11 4 11 0 10 6 10 2 9 8 9 4 9 1 8 7 8 4 DO at 100 Saturation C 10 11 3 10 9 10 5 1
209. y StreamStudyHomePage StreamStudy HTML Hach Source for reference standard solution preparations and fecal coliform test kits Available from http www hach com SK Science Kits and Boreal Labs Source for fecal coliform test kits Available from http sciencekit com fecal coliform test kit p IG0021167 Forestry Suppliers Source of water sampling equipment Available from http www forestry suppliers com 121 Appendix Appendix A SPARK Science Learning System Tech Tips The number following the symbol 9 at the end of a procedure step refers to the numbered Tech Tip below which provides directions for operating the SPARK Science Learning System 2 1 Connecting a sensor to the SPARK If you have a blue PASPORT sensor plug it into either of the PASPORT ports on the SPARK If you have a temperature probe fast response or stainless steel plug it into the temperature port If you have a voltage probe plug it into the voltage port If you have a black PASPORT colorimeter water quality colorimeter or turbidity meter you will need a sensor extension cable to connect the sensor to the SPARK Task Result The SPARK detects the sensor and adds 1t to your experiment 1 PASPORT ports 2 Temperature port 3 Voltage port 2 2 Building an experiment 1 Connect a sensor to the SPARK A live data screen will appear 2 Touch Build 3 Choose the parameter you want to observe in the menu to the lef
210. ygen gas molecule in solution Since kinetic energy can overpower these weak bonds temperature is an important factor regarding the amount of DO that water can hold the lower the temperature of liquid water the more DO it can hold The amount of DO that fresh water can hold 100 saturation at sea level can vary from about 14 5 mg L at 0 C to 5 5 mg L at 50 C The partial pressure of oxygen 1s another important factor that determines how much DO water can hold Therefore the higher the air pressure barometric pressure the more DO can be held by liquid water For example water that is 10 C can hold about 11 mg L DO at sea level barometric pressure 760 mg Hg but only about 9 3 mg L DO at an altitude of 1 mile 630 mg Hg for example near Denver Colorado and only about 7 5 mg L DO at an altitude of about 2 miles 510 mg Hg for example near Wilkerson Pass Colorado For an abbreviated table of the DO at 100 saturation please see the table at the end of this section For complete tables and for measuring DO in saline water please see the User Manual for the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor Why measure dissolved oxygen Dissolved oxygen 1s a critical factor determining water quality affecting the growth and health of aquatic communities and the adequacy of water to be used for drinking and municipal purposes Most aquatic organisms require dissolved oxygen to live with some organisms requiring higher concentrations than others

Water Quality Field Guide - Ag.& Environmental Sciences Academy

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Water Quality Field Guide - Ag.&amp; Environmental Sciences Academy

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Water Quality Field Guide - Ag.& Environmental Sciences Academy