Water Quality Protocols

Alkalinity by Titration Method

“This procedure is used to determine alkalinity of fresh water samples using standard titration techniques. Results from this procedure should be used for screening purposes rather than for atmospheric deposition research purposes. Accuracy at lower alkalinity levels (<5mg/L) is improved significantly by using an ANC determination procedure that reports results in ueq/L. Note: ANC results in ueq/L may be converted to alkalinity in mg/L by dividing by a factor of 20. Alkalinities in units of mg/L cannot be reliably converted to ANC units of ueq/L because of the inherent difference in accuracy between the methods”.

DEPSOP- Alkalinity by Titration Method

Chlorophyll Sample Collection

“This procedure is used to obtain a water sample for Chlorophyll analysis. Chlorophyll-a results are used to evaluate the productivity or trophic state of lake water”.

DEPSOP- Chlorophyll Sample Collection

Collection of Grab Samples

“This procedure is used to obtain water samples from discrete locations in the water column. Grab samples are often used to obtain water for dissolved oxygen/temperature determinations using chemical kits and to obtain water for total phosphorus analysis, but may be used for many other parameters”.

DEPSOP- Collection of Grab (discrete) Samples

Dissolved Oxygen Temperature Profiles

“This procedure is used to determine temperature and dissolved oxygen (D.O.) concentrations in fresh waters using a YSI electronic Dissolved Oxygen meter or a comparable meter”.

DEPSOP- Dissolved Oxygen_Temperature Profiles (electronic meters)

Epilimnetic Core Sample Collection

“This procedure is used to collect a water sample from the epilimnion of a lake. Using a core or tube to obtain the sample assures that water collected is representative of conditions within the epilimnion, the region of the water column that receives the most solar radiation, is warmest and most often has the highest levels of biological productivity. The sample obtained is also known as an integrated tube/core sample. The water collected in this manner is suitable for the analysis of chlorophyll and other photosynthetic pigments, chemistry, nutrients and phytoplankton”.

DEPSOP- Epilimnetic Core Sample Collection

Secchi Disk Transparency

“This procedure is used to determine lake water transparency or clarity using a Secchi Disk and water viewing scope. Secchi disk transparency readings are used in the assessment of lake water quality, productivity and long term trends. With slight modifications, this procedure may also be used in marine waters”.

DEPSOP- Secchi Disk Transparency