Water Chemistry Field Sampling
36
Depending on the objectives of the field data collection, field crews may be
collecting water samples as part of a synoptic survey, or they may be repeating
sampling at the same locations in a monitoring effort to examine changes in
water chemistry over time. The extent of documentation required by the field
crew in the field will depend on whether the site is new or previously established.
2.2.2 What to Measure
This book focuses on protocols for water quality sampling to quantify the
effects of atmospheric deposition on aquatic ecosystems. The atmospheric
deposition constituents of concern described here are S, N, and toxics. It is
possible to offer straightforward guidance regarding sampling constituents associated with characterization or monitoring of the acidification
and nutrient enrichment effects of S and N deposition. The constituents
to monitor for studies of the effects of toxics are more variable depending
on the objectives of the particular study and are therefore less subject to
generalization.
The primary water quality variables to be sampled can include physical,
chemical, or biological attributes. Choice of variables depends on the potential environmental risks, logistical issues associated with sampling for these
parameters, and costs.
A water quality survey or monitoring for the purpose of evaluating responses
to atmospheric deposition can involve any number of parameters. The choice
of parameters should clearly relate to the water quality concerns and should
be measurable in a routine sampling program. The challenge is to select those
parameters that are most important with respect to revealing key features of
ecological integrity and that can be determined in a relatively straightforward
and cost-effective fashion. For some studies, samples are needed at sufficient
frequency and temporal resolution that they allow appropriate characterization or statistical trend detection in the future.
The choice of what to measure will depend in large part on the type of study:
• acidification
• eutrophication
• bioaccumulation or toxicity
Parameters to include in each of these kinds of studies are discussed next.
2.2.2.1 Acidification Studies
Atmospheric inputs of both S and N can cause acidification of soil, soil water,
and fresh drainage water (lakes, streams). In most regions of the United States
that have experienced acidification impacts from air pollution, those impacts
have mainly been caused by S deposition. There are also, however, some regions,
36
Depending on the objectives of the field data collection, field crews may be
collecting water samples as part of a synoptic survey, or they may be repeating
sampling at the same locations in a monitoring effort to examine changes in
water chemistry over time. The extent of documentation required by the field
crew in the field will depend on whether the site is new or previously established.
2.2.2 What to Measure
This book focuses on protocols for water quality sampling to quantify the
effects of atmospheric deposition on aquatic ecosystems. The atmospheric
deposition constituents of concern described here are S, N, and toxics. It is
possible to offer straightforward guidance regarding sampling constituents associated with characterization or monitoring of the acidification
and nutrient enrichment effects of S and N deposition. The constituents
to monitor for studies of the effects of toxics are more variable depending
on the objectives of the particular study and are therefore less subject to
generalization.
The primary water quality variables to be sampled can include physical,
chemical, or biological attributes. Choice of variables depends on the potential environmental risks, logistical issues associated with sampling for these
parameters, and costs.
A water quality survey or monitoring for the purpose of evaluating responses
to atmospheric deposition can involve any number of parameters. The choice
of parameters should clearly relate to the water quality concerns and should
be measurable in a routine sampling program. The challenge is to select those
parameters that are most important with respect to revealing key features of
ecological integrity and that can be determined in a relatively straightforward
and cost-effective fashion. For some studies, samples are needed at sufficient
frequency and temporal resolution that they allow appropriate characterization or statistical trend detection in the future.
The choice of what to measure will depend in large part on the type of study:
• acidification
• eutrophication
• bioaccumulation or toxicity
Parameters to include in each of these kinds of studies are discussed next.
2.2.2.1 Acidification Studies
Atmospheric inputs of both S and N can cause acidification of soil, soil water,
and fresh drainage water (lakes, streams). In most regions of the United States
that have experienced acidification impacts from air pollution, those impacts
have mainly been caused by S deposition. There are also, however, some regions,