Oxbow Sampling Project Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

August 28, 1998
John Capece, Benno Eidus, and Ed Rawlinson
UF-IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Immokalee FL

Table of Contents

Sampling locations 2
  • Chemical parameters and containers 3
  • Physical parameters 3
  • Lab/office preparations (day before sampling trip) 3
  • Boat preparations 4
  • Physical parameter measurement 4
  • Sample collection 4
  • Filtering 5
  • Preservation 5
  • Labeling and recording 5
  • Storage and transportation 5
  • QA/QC samples 6
  • Sample delivery & sample custody 6
  • Lab/office post-processing 7
  • Appendices A. Definitions 8 B. Preparation checklist 9

    C. Boat loading checklist 9

    D. Skiff loading checklist 11

    E. Example labels 11

    F. Example chain of custody form 12

    G. Analyte-free water containers 13

    H Field data book 13

    I. Example of physical parameters data sheet 15

    J. Additional records 16

    K. Sampling preparation inventory 17

    L. Directory & contact information 20

    M. Instruments calibration and field use 21

    • Conductivity Meter 21
    • DO-meter YSI Model #51B 24
    • Model 35624-30 OAKTON pH-Tester 26
    • Model 1010 Series 2.5 L Niskin 27
    This SOP is intended to serve as a field reference guide for the collection of water quality samples from CALOOSAHATCHEE river oxbows.

    		•
    1. Sampling locations
    Oxbow ID* River Bank Coordinates in Minutes**
    Lat. (26 deg N) Long. (81 deg W)
    2 up North 43.35 40.61
    2 dn North 43.42 40.88
    3 up North 43.30 40.26
    3 dn North 43.31 40.36
    9 up South 43.16 37.53
    9 dn South 43.19 37.62
    11 up South 42.89 36.22
    11 dn South 42.93 36.46
    13 up North 43.04 35.66
    13 dn North 43.02 35.70
    15 up North 43.26 34.93
    15 dn North 43.23 34.98
    18 up South 43.04 33.73
    18 dn South 43.00 33.89
    24 up South 43.62 31.47
    24 dn South 43.53 31.53
    26 up North 44.40 31.22
    26 dn North 44.26 31.24
    32 up South 44.98 28.42
    32 dn South 44.96 28.54
    * up = upstream (east) opening, dn = downstream (west) opening
    ** Coordinates locations are in the C-43 main channel, not in the oxbows .

    2. Chemical parameters and containers
    Bottle number Bottle size Method # Parameter Holding Time Preservative Filtration Comments
    #1 32 oz. 353.20 NOx 28 days H2SO4

    pH<2

    365.40 total P
    350.10 Ammonia
    #2 32 oz. 365.20 Ortho P 48 hr. immediately, 0.45 um
    # 3 1000 mL 180.10 turbidity 48 hr.
    110.20 color 48 hr.
    AWWA 161002d chlorophyll 14 days (in dark)
    #4 32 oz. 245.10 Hg 28 days HNO3

    pH<2

    220.10 Cu 6 mos.
    #5 100 mL (sterile) 9221E fecal coliform 6 hr. Na2S2O3 prepreserved container
    9230B streptococcus 6 hr.

    3. Physical parameters
    SWFRL personnel will measure a profile of temperature, pH, conductivity, and DO.
  • Instruments:
    • YSI Model 51 B Oxygen Meter for DO
    • Fisher SCI Model 09-326-2 Meter for conductivity and temperature
    • OAKTON pHTester for pH
  • For calibration and use of instruments see Appendix M.

    • 4. Lab/Office preparations (day before sampling trip)

    Notify Lee County Environmental Lab to expect samples the next day.
  • Put 0.45 um 47 mm diameters membranes in clean dry Millipore filter holders.
  • Label all sample bottles with the oxbow location ID, duplicate number (if more than one duplicate), sample date, test parameters, and preservative.
  • Use pens or markers that are permanent. Write directly on the bottle or use a label that will not fall off when the container gets wet.
  • Gather five clean prelabeled empty sample bottles (one for each type of analysis) into one gallon size ZipLock Gripper Zipper Freezer Bags.
  • Prepare one bag for each sampling location, plus triplet of QA/QC samples, plus two spare bags.
  • Load supplies and chemicals into the transportation boxes.

    • 5. Boat preparations

    Before trip:
    • Make sure the boat is ready for the trip, make sure that gas tanks are full and all necessary sampling and safety gear is packed.

    Before sampling:

    • Anchor large boat at least 100' from downstream end of oxbow.
    • Load skiff with equipment and bottles (see checklist, p. 11).
    • Move skiff to downstream sampling location (maintain position with paddle)

    6. Physical parameter measurement

    • Position boat in sampling location as shown in the oxbow site map.
    • Avoid sediment disturbance, caused by the boat engine.
    • Instruments for field parameters:
      • pH tester
      • Dissolved oxygen meter
      • Conductivity meter

    7. Sample collection

    Preparation for sample collection at the start of the sampling day.
  • Confirm that all samples have been scheduled in the Lee County Lab.
  • Calibrate instruments (see Appendix M)
    • pH tester
    • Dissolved oxygen meter
    • Conductivity meter
  • Load all the sample gear into the skiff.
  • Water collecting procedure
  • Lower Niskin sampler into water 30 cm below surface.
  • Swing it 5 times back & forth to rinse it.
  • Stabilize sampler in non-turbid water and trigger the closure mechanism (see Niskin Sampler Operating Instructions in Appendix M).
  • Fill five (#1,3,4,5 and extra one to be filtered) containers to the top.
  • Water from the additionally container should be filtered into bottle #2 (ortho-P).
  • Retrieve collected sample and Niskin sampler to the clean processing area in the boat.
  • Clean Niskin sampler for the next set of samples: rinse three times with DI or RO water.
  • Put Niskin sampler in a plastic bag to prevent contamination during storage or transport to the field.

    • 8. Filtering

    Filtration must be completed within 15 minutes of sample collection.
  • Always use forceps and fresh latex gloves to prevent contamination.
  • For filtration use clean 60 cc syringes, clean Millipore 47 mm filter holders, and 0.45 um filter membranes.
  • Fill 60 mL syringe from bottles #1 or #3 completely.
  • Purge 10 mL sample through filtering equipment as a rinse for the filter system.
  • Filter sample via 0.45 um filter into the 250 mL ortho-P bottles (#2), if necessarily use a 1.0 um prefilter.
  • Rinse 3 times and fill bottle.
  • Fill 60 mL syringe from bottles #1 or #3 fully the second time .
  • Filter to the some bottle .
  • Secure sample container caps tightly.

    • 9. Preservation

    Sample preservation is performed on the boat within 15 minutes of sample collection.
  • Preservation maintains the pH below 2 in bottles #1 and #4 after sample collection.
  • Preservative for bottle #1 - 3 mL 50% sulfuric acid.
  • Preservative for bottle #4 - 2 mL 50% nitric acid.
  • The effectiveness of required pH adjustments must be checked for each sample.
  • Narrow range pH paper model pHydrion part number 140 1-12 is used to test an aliquot of the preserved sample.
  • Pour a small portion of the sample into the wastewater container over the pH paper.
  • Compare the color with the manufacturer's color chart (bright red is required).
  • Secure sample container caps tightly.

    • 10. Labeling and recording

    Each bottle must be assigned a unique label (see Appendix E) prior to placing in cooler.
  • Bottles are labeled using black fine point permanent marker.
  • Sample labels include the sample type (EB, FD, or FB), plot location ID (number of oxbow and location in oxbow), preservative type, sampler initials, testing parameters, and sampling date.
  • Record sampling time on the 100 mL bacteria bottle label.
  • Register sampling information on COC.

    • 11. Storage and transportation

    Check sample bottles for leaks by squeezing tightly.
  • Check accuracy of labeling twice before storage.
  • The labeled bottles are stored and transported in coolers with ice.
  • Samples are transported to the analytical laboratory by courier.
  • Samples should be delivered to the laboratory before 3 PM.

    • 12. QA/QC samples

    Precleaned Equipment Blanks (EB) ...one per day
  • Field Duplicates (FD) ...one per ten samples
  • Field-cleaned Equipment Blanks (FB) ...one per day
    • Precleaned Equipment Blanks (EB)

      Collect the first set of samples as a Precleaned Equipment Blank (EB), to test the cleanliness of lab-prepared equipment. These are samples of analyte-free water that are prepared on site. The laboratory requires one field blank for each set of samples.

      • Fill the Niskin bottle completely with analyte-free water.
      • Process this water as if it were an actual sample (add appropriate preservative, filter, etc.).
      • These samples are labeled as EB.
      • Complete the chain of custody.
    • Field Duplicates (FD)

      These samples are collected starting from the second sampling location as the fourth and fifth sample sets. FD are required once per ten sample. They are collected at the same time from the same source to check the correctness of the sampling process. (see 7. Water collecting procedure).

    Field-cleaned Equipment Blanks (FB)

    • these blanks should be prepared during the middle to end of a sampling trip.
    • the laboratory requires one field blank for each set of samples.
    • collect this sample after the Niskin bottle has been cleaned in the field.
    • fill the Niskin bottle completely with the DI or RO water.
    • fill four bottles from Niskin.
    • filter and fill the fifth bottle for ortho-P.
    • add appropriate preservatives.
    • these samples are labeled as FB.
    • complete the chain of custody.
    All QC samples must remain with the sample set until they have been received by the laboratory.

    13. Sample delivery and sample custody

    All shipments should be accompanied by the chain-of-custody record identifying its contents. The original record accompanies the shipment to Lee County Lab, and a copy signed by the Lee County Lab is retained by the SWFRL courier.

    The field sampler is personally responsible for the care and custody of the samples until they are transferred to testing lab.

    The Chain of Custody form (Appendix F) includes:

    • Sampling date and time
    • Sample ID
    • Bottles type
    • Number of Bottles
    • Preservative
    • Analyses required
    • Comments
    • Signature
    • Upon receipt in laboratory, custody is transferred by the signature of a staff member recording date and time.

    14. Lab/office post-processing

    • clean bottles/equipment
    • store instruments
    • order re-supply items
      • 0.45 and 1.0 membranes
      • bottles
      • acids
      • pH papers
      • napkins
      • markers
      • labels
      • gloves
      • syringes
      • pH buffers
      • conductivity standards
      • DO-meter sensor membranes
      • DO-meter sensor filling solution
    • photo copy and file field notes
    • enter the physical measurements in database

    15. Appendices

    A. Definitions

    Sample

    Any sample from a natural source or source that may reasonably be expected to contribute pollution to or receive pollution from ground waters or surface waters of the state.

    Parent Sample

    A sample from which aliquots are taken for testing purposes. Subsample refers to any derivative of a parent sample.

    Sample Set

    The basic unit for analytical quality control. The analytical set is defined as samples that are analyzed (or sampled together) with the same method sequence, the same lots of reagents and with the same treatment common to all samples. The samples and QA/QC samples must have been collected within the same specified time period or in continuous sequential time periods.

    Quality Control Measures Blanks

    An artificial sample of an analytical matrix designed to monitor the introduction of artifacts into the system.

    B. Preparation checklist

    Put 0.45 um 47 mm diameter filter membranes in clean dry Millipore filter holders

    Label all sample bottles with the oxbow description, duplicate number (if more than one duplicate), sample date, test ID, and preservative. Use a permanent pen or marker and write directly on the bottle or use a label that will not fall off when the container gets wet.

    Gather five clean empty sample bottles for all types of analyses in the one gallon size ZipLock Gripper Zipper Freezer Bag.

    Notify the personnel of Lee County Environmental Lab to expect samples.

    Load all Supplies and Chemicals in the transportation boxes.

    C. Boat loading checklist

    Box # 1 " Decontamination" Quantity

    Liquid Detergents "Liqui-Nox" 1 bottle

    Five gal waterproof bags 25 bags

    500 mL analyte free water squeeze bottles 3 bottles

    Paper towels 1 box

    1:1 Hydrochloric Acid 500 mL

    Box # 2" Calibration & Preservation" Quantity

    pH buffers 4,7 and 10 8 packs each

    Conductivity Standards 100 and 1000 uS/cm, 4 bottles each

    Nitric Acid preservative 100 mL

    Sulfuric Acid preservative 100 mL

    Dropping Bottles 4 bottles

    Narrow range pH paper 2 rolls

    Box # 3 "Instruments" Quantity

    Dissolved oxygen meter 2 pH tester 2

    Digital TDS Meter 2 Niskin Water Sampler 1 Extra Rope for Sampler 1 Water depth measuring tape 1 500 mL analyte free water rinsing 1 bottle

    Batteries for each instruments 1 complete for each

    Box # 4 "Filtration" Quantity

    Syringes, 60 mL 24 complete Syringe filter holders. 24 complete

    0.45 um membranes, 2 boxes

    1.0 um membranes 1 box

    Supplies without boxes Quantity

    Sample holding frame 1 frame

    5 gal analyte free water 1 container Global Positioning System 1

    Camera 1

    Calculator 1

    Tape Recorder 1

    Microphone 1

    Batteries for the Tape Recorder 2

    Tapes 1

    Floor mats 1

    1 gal buckets to contain liquid wastes 1

    Container for solid wastes 1 

    Transportation supplies Quantity

    Ice chests 3 coolers

    Ice 100 lb.

    Sealing tape 1 roll

    Protective clothing Quantity

    Gloves 2 boxes

    Goggles 2

    Documentation supplies Quantity

    Notebooks/logs/field sheets 1

    Pens, permanent markers, 10 p. 10

    Bacteria Sample container tags 100

    COC 10

    Reference material: Quantity

    Site maps 1

    SOPs 1

    D. Skiff loading checklist

    Item Quantity

    life jackets 3

    Niskin bottle 1 sets of clean sampling bottles 2

    water depth measuring tape 1

    box # 3 "Instruments" 1

    5 gal bucket 1

    paddles 2

    E. Example Labels

    SWFRL phone 658-3418

    Sample ID

    Type EB FD FB

    Preservative H2SO4 HNO3

    Testing parameters

    Sampling Date/Time

    Sampler initials

    Example COC form (Lotus file C:\benno\results\OXB_COC2.WK4)

    G. Analyte-Free Water Containers

    Analyte-free containers are defined by EPA to be glass containers. The DER QA Section will allow these containers to be made of Teflon, polypropylene, or high density polyethylene (HDPE). These containers should be filled up for a single sampling event and then emptied at the end of the sampling day. EPA's cleaning procedure for glass (Teflon and polypropylene) is as follows:

    5.1 New Containers

    • Clean with tap water and lab grade soap (Liquinox or equivalent) using a brush, if necessary, to remove particulate matter or surface film.
    • Rinse thoroughly with tap water.
    • If trace metals are to be sampled, then rinse with 10-15% reagent grade nitric acid (HNO3). The acid rinse should not be used on steel sampling equipment (bailers, augers, trowels, etc.).
    • Rinse thoroughly with tap water. Enough water shall be used to ensure that all equipment surfaces are flushed with water.
    • Rinse thoroughly with analyte-free water and allow to air dry as long as possible.
    • Clean sampling equipment shall be wrapped in a plastic bag to prevent contamination during storage or transport to the field.
    • If no further sampling is to be performed, equipment must be rinsed with tap water immediately after use.
    • Wash per instructions, cap with Teflon film, aluminum foil or the bottle cap. Note: the bottle cap shall be equipped with a Teflon liner. Aluminum foil or Teflon film may be used as liner material.

    5.2. Reused Containers

    • Immediately after being emptied, cap with aluminum foil, Teflon film or the container cap.
    • Wash container exterior with lab-grade detergent solution and rinsed with DI water.
    • Rinse interior twice with isopropanol (delete if containers are plastic).
    • Rinse interior thoroughly with analyte-free water.
    • Invert and allow to drain and dry.
    • Fill container with analyte-free water and cap tightly with aluminum foil, Teflon film or the container cap. Note: the bottle cap shall be equipped with a Teflon liner. Aluminum foil or Teflon film may be used as liner material.
    • Water shall not be stored for more than 3 days prior to a sampling trip.

    H. Field Data Book

    The following information should be recorded in the Field Data Book:

    • Field location/GPS data
    • Sample numbers
    • Date/time collected
    Physical parameters
    • temperature in grad. C
    • conductivity in uS/cm
    • DO in mg/L
    • pH
    These data are entered to complete report files.

    I. Example of PP data sheet (see next page)

    Example of PP form (Lotus file C:\benno\results\OXB_PHY2.WK4)

    J. Additional records

    All records and documentation required to trace a sampling event from point of origin.

    These records must include:

    • Field notebooks.
    • Calibration and quality control data associated with a sample set.
    • Preservative preparation logs.
    • Instrument maintenance logs.
    • Sample disposition logs.
    • Final reports.

    K. Sampling Preparation Inventory

    • Check Equipment Construction Use Parameter
    1. Decontamination equipment and supplies
    Liquid Detergents "Liqui-Nox" N/A Wash sampler All parameter groups
    Five gal waterproof bags Plastic To contain wastes All parameter groups
    500 mL analyte free water rinser Plastic Wash sampler All parameter groups
    Paper towels Paper Decontamination All parameter groups
    1:1 Nitric Acid Solution N/A Clean Container Metals
    1: 1 Hydrochloric Acid N/A Clean Container Nutrients
    5 gal analyte free water N/A Clean Container All parameter groups
    5 gal water container Plastic Clean Container All parameter groups
    2. Reagents for field calibration
    pH buffers (4,7 and 10), 8 packs each N/A Calibration Physical properties
    Conductivity Standards 100 and 1000 uS/cm, 8 bottles KCl Calibration Physical properties
    3. Preservation supplies
    Acid preservative, 100 mL Sulfuric Acid, ACS grade, 1:1 Sample preservation Anions, Inorganic Parameters
    Acid preservative, 100 mL Nitric Acid,

    ACS grade, 1:1

    		Sample preservation Metals
    Dropping Bottles Glass Sample preservation Metals, Anions
    Narrow range pH paper N/A Sample preservation Metals, Anions
    4. Sample transportation supplies
    Ice chests Plastic Transporting samples All parameter groups
    Sealing tape Plastic Transporting samples All parameter groups
    Shipping labels and forms Paper Transporting samples All parameter groups
    Ice Water Transporting samples All parameter groups
    Sample container tags Paper Documentation All parameter group
    5. Protective clothing
    Gloves Latex Sampling All parameter groups
    Clothing and goggles N/A Protection All parameter groups
    6. Documentation supplies
    Notebooks/logs/field sheets Paper Documentation All parameter groups
    Pens, permanent markers, 10 p. N/A Documentation All parameter groups
    Sample container labels Paper Documentation All parameter groups
    Custody labels/tags Paper Documentation All parameter groups
    Custody/transmittal forms Paper Documentation All parameter groups
    Camera N/A Documentation All parameter groups
    Calculator N/A Documentation All parameter groups
    Tape Recorder N/A Documentation All parameter groups
    Microphone N/A Documentation All parameter groups
    Batteries for the Tape Recorder N/A Documentation All parameter groups
    Tapes N/A Documentation All parameter groups
    7. Reference material:
    Site maps Paper Locate positions All parameter groups
    SOPs Paper Documentation All parameter groups
    8. Filtration equipment
    Syringes, 60 mL, 24 p. Polypropylene Field filtration Inorganic anions
    Syringe filter holders, 24 comp.. Stainless Steel Field filtration Inorganic anions
    0.45 um membranes, 2 boxes Polyester Field filtration Inorganic anions
    1.0 um membranes 1 box Polyester Field filtration Metals in GW
    Sample holding/frame wood/PVC Hold bottles All parameter groups
    Floor mats PE Protection from contamination All parameter groups
    1 gal buckets to contain liquid wastes PE Protection from contamination All parameter groups
    Container for wastes PE Protection from contamination All parameter groups
    9. Field Test Instruments
    Global Positioning System N/A Positioning
    Total depth sensor/scale N/A Positioning Total depth
    Dissolved oxygen meter N/A DO Dissolved Oxygen
    pH tester N/A pH Physical Properties
    Digital TDS Meter N/A Conductivity, Temperature Physical Properties
    Niskin Water Sampler SS Sampling All parameter groups
    Extension pole for Sampler Wood Sampling All parameter groups
    Water depth measuring tape Fiberglass/Ceramic Depth measuring Sample location depth


    Directory & Contact Information

    Lee County Ecolab
    • Phone 278-7070 Fax 939-4850
    • Mr. Kibbey Keith - Director

    Tarpow Bay Lall, Florida Center for Environmental Studies

    • Phone # 472-3776 Fax 939-4850
    • Dr. Ken Cummins
    • Dr. Peggy Wilzbach
    • Tarpon Bay Environmental Lab
    • 900 A. Tarpon
    • Sanibel, FL 33957

    The Spirit

    • Phone # 941-675-0533
    • Mr. Richard Neely
    • 12255 Anchor Ln. SW.
    • Moore Haven, FL 33471

    University of Florida SWFREC

    • Phone 658-3400 Fax 658-3469
    • Dr. John Capece, Asst. Professor 998-8321 (pager) 860-6341 (cell)
    • Mr. Benno Eidus, Chemist 658-3417 (office)
    • Mrs. Angela Lanier, Secretary 645-0780 (cell)
    • Mr. Ed Rawlinson, Technician 279-5918 (pager) 370-6912 (cell)

    M. Instruments calibration and field use

    Conductivity Meter

    SPECIFICATIONS

    Conductivity Range:

    • .01 to 19.99 uS (micromhos)
    • 1 to 1999 uS (micromhos)
    • .01 to 19.99 mS (mhos)
    • .1 to 199.9 mS (mhos)

    Accuracy

    • 0.3% of reading

    Temperature Compensation:

    • Automatically temperature compensated to the international standard of 25 degrees Celsius, temperature may also be compensated manually.

    Temperature Compensation Range:

    • 0.0 to 50.0 Celsius

    Temperature Coefficient:

    • Default value set at 2 % per degree Celsius.
    • Fully adjustable in the range of 0.000 to 5.000% per degree Celsius.

    Power:

    • One 9 volt alkaline battery

    DISPLAY SYMBOLS

    • uS/cm microsiemens or micromhos per centimeter
    • mS/m millisiemens or mhos per meter
    • oC temperature

    GENERAL OPERATING TECHNIQUES

    1. Use very clean beakers/flasks.

    2. Avoid cross-contamination between measurements by rinsing the probe in deionized/distilled water and by rinsing the probe in the solution to be tested. 3. Make certain to sustain flow through the probe (or move the probe through the solution in a stirring motion) while making your readings. Stirring helps prevent polarization, ensures that the solution is well mixed, and helps to maintain a uniform, temperature within the solution.

    4. When finished using the probe, always rinse it in distilled water and store dry or in distilled water. Solutions which are allowed to dry on the probe will eventually block out active sites on the internal platinum electrode, the surface area will be reduced, and a new probe will be required. Do not touch the internal platinum electrode, if the surface is damaged linearity will be affected, specifically in the high conductivity readings, and difficulty may be found in achieving high readings.

    MAKING MEASUREMENTS

    1. Connect the probe by placing the connector plug into the keyed instrument socket.
    2. Press the ON/OFF key to turn the unit on.
    3. Place the unit in the MODE required (conductivity or temperature) by pressing the MODE key.
    4. Place the probe in the sample solution.
    5. Read the answer on the digital display while stirring the probe in the solution.

    CLEARING CALIBRATION DATA

    If the unit has already been calibrated on that day, then "CAL" will appear in the top left corner of the display.

    1. Press the CHECK key, "CHK" will appear on the top right corner of the display.

    2. Press and hold the ENTER key for 10 seconds, "0" zero will be displayed to the far left of the display to indicate that all calibration data has been cleared.

    CALIBRATION

    The unit may be calibrated to known solutions. Calibration is achieved by using the arrow keys to adjust the display to read to a known value. The ENTER key is used to store a value as a calibration point. Four calibration points may be entered to ensure accuracy over the entire measurements range.

    1. Erase any existing calibration data. See "Clearing Calibration Data"

    2. Insert the probe into a known solution (in a range of 100 and 1000 uS/sm).

    3. Press the MODE key to place the unit in the measurement function desired: Conductivity (uS/cm), Resistivity (MQ/cm) or Concentration (c).

    4. Press the arrow keys to adjust the value on the display to the value of the solution. "CAS" will blink on the display. Each press of the arrow key increases/decreases the display by 1 digit. To rapidly increase/decrease the display, press and hold down the arrow key, the least significant digit is changed until ten digits have been counted, then the next significant digit, etc.

    5. With correct value on the display, press ENTER key to enter the value as a calibration point.

    The instrument is now calibrated. This procedure may be repeated three (3) additional times (total of four calibration points) using different solutions to insure accuracy over the entire measurement range.

    CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT

    Micromho is a measurement of conductance. A micromho is the same as a microsiemens (1 micromho = 1 microsiemens).

    TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT

    Press the MODE key four times until you enter the temperature mode indicated by oC on the display.

    DISPLAY MESSAGES

    • BAT Indicates that the battery needs to be replaced.
    • E6 or E7 Calibration point error. Clear all calibration data and start calibration over. Make certain that the value you are calibrating to is correct.
    • Sc or Oc Temperature probe (thermistor) short or open probe.
    • -L or -H Salinity measurement is below or above the measurement range.

    BATTERY REPLACEMENT

    Erratic readings, no display, or "BAT" on the display are all indications that the battery needs to be replaced or that the battery is not making proper contact. Place your thumb against the word "OPEN" on the back of the unit and slide the battery cover up and off. Replace the battery with a new 9 volt alkaline battery. Make certain that the battery is inserted properly and that proper contact is made. Low battery power can occasionally cause any number of "apparent" operational difficulties. Replacing the batteries will solve most difficulties.

    MAINTAINING CALIBRATION

    For calibration contact:

    • Control Company
      308 West Edgewood
      Friendswood, Texas 77546 USA
      Ph. 713-482-1714 Fax 713-482-9448

    ACCESSORIES

    One-Shot Traceable Conductivity Calibration Standards (Model 4175-4179) . Single-use standards eliminate concerns about external container contamination. Calibration is made in the standard vial. Opening the standard container to 1 3/4" diameter and depth 3 1/2" allows the probe calibration to take place in the standard's polyethylene container. Supplied as a pack of six One Shot standards. Each standard contains 100 mL.

    DO-meter YSI Model #51B

    Calibration:

    1. Turn the meter's selector knob to "Zero".

    2. Observe the display to see if the needle registers exactly 0.0 mg/L (top scale of the display). If not, twist the zero knob (left hand set of dials) until the needle does register 0.0 mg/L.

    Make sure that the needle is exactly lined up with its mirror image to avoid parallax. This warrants that you are reading the display properly.

    3. Turn the right hand dial to "Full Scale". Observe the display to see if red needle registers on 15.0 mg/L (top scale of the display). If not, then twist the Full Scale knob (left hand set of dials) until the needle does register 15.0 mg/L.

    If the meter will not calibrate to full scale, the batteries are probably weak. Open the back by removing the screws at the four corners. Insert two alkaline D cell batteries and re-test for full scale calibration. Be sure that the polarity of the positive and negative poles of the battery are correctly matched with the poles of the battery holder, otherwise the machine will not work properly. If the machine posts are corroded, use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or fine sandpaper to remove corrosion. If successful, replace the back of the meter and proceed. If this fails, the unit is probably in need of repair.

    4. Remove cap from probe and inspect for bubbles under the membrane or damage to the membrane itself. Replace the membrane if either are present. Bubbles that are present are indicative of a probe with a leaky diaphragm or one that has been overexposed to dry conditions. Caution: If a probe has gone completely dry, you will not see any bubbles. Probe solution must then be added, and bubbles bled off (by gently pressing a pencil eraser into the plunger hole), for it to work properly.

    5. Loosely replace the probe cap and allow the temperature and humidity within it to stabilize (normally a minute or two). Turn selector to "Read Temp and Set Dial". Read the temperature on the lower scale of the display. Adjust the "O2 Solubility Factor" Placing the cap loosely on the probe creates an environment saturated with water (=100% humidity), which is necessary for calibration.

    6. Turn selector to "Calib O2". Using the gauge in the upper right corner of the display, twist the "Calib" knob until the needle corresponds with the appropriate altitude for the area. If the test site is at sea level, the gauge should register on the bottom line of the scale.

    7. Using the mercury thermometer, read the temperature of a "test blank" for comparison with that of the probe. Turn the selector to "Read Temp and set Dial". Insert probe into the blank and gently agitate until the needle stabilizes. Record both readings in °C. Even though both should match, there may be a difference of up to ± 1 °C. If the difference is greater, the meter may be in need of repair and the dissolved oxygen readings are suspect.

    CHANGING BATTERIES

    1. Open the battery compartment lid
    2. Remove old batteries and replace with four fresh C size batteries noting polarity as shown in the battery compartment.
    3. After changing batteries, recalibration is necessary.
    Field Use:

    Make sure that probe cap has wet tissue inserted in top to ensure that the membrane inside the probe remains moist.

    1. Turn on and let warm up for at least five to fifteen minutes

    2. Calibrate the meter before every sampling location.

    3. Remove cap from probe and lower into sample medium to the desired depth. The minimum depth must be sufficient to fully immerse the probe. Make CERTAIN that the probe is immersed fully in the medium, or the meter will not register properly.

    4. Turn selector to "Read Temp and Set Dial". Gently agitate the probe throughout the medium while the needle stabilizes. Read the lower scale of the display and record the temperature (°C). Let the display reach an equilibrium (usually takes less than a minute) before you go to the next step. Make sure that the needle is exactly lined up with its mirror image to avoid parallax. This ensures that you are reading the display properly.

    5. Set O2 Solubility Factor dial to the correct temperature. Make CERTAIN that the lines on the dial connect, i.e., if the medium is freshwater and is 25 °C, then the freshwater (top) line and the line from 25 should connect.

    6. Turn selector to "Read O2". Gently agitate the probe while the needle stabilizes. Read the upper scale of the display and record the dissolved oxygen in mg/L.

    Model 35624-30 OAKTON pH-Tester

    CAUTION: to AVOID CROSS CONTAMINATION BETWEEN SAMPLES, NEVER IMMERSE THE ELECTRODE ABOVE COLOR BAND.

    SPECIFICATIONS

    Range 0 to 14 pH extended range

    Resolution 0.01 pH

    Accuracy ±0.02 pH at normal room temperature;

    Operating Temperature, 0 to 50 C, 32 to 122 F

    Temperature Compensation, Automatic

    CALIBRATING

    Calibrate to pH 4, 7 and 10. For best accuracy, calibrate to all 3 pH at field temperature, starting with pH=7.

    Turn on the tester and press the "CAL" button to enter CALibration mode.

    Immerse the electrode into the buffer about 1", stir gently and wait 2 minutes for the displayed value to stabilize.

    Press "HOLD/CON" button to CONfirm and complete the calibration.

    Repeat with pH 4 buffer, and finally pH 10 buffer to complete the slope adjustment.

    Field Use:

    Remove cap and press ON/OFF button on the keypad to turn on the pHTester.

    Dip the electrode ½" to 1" into the test solution.

    Never dip the electrode above the color band.

    Stir once, let the display stabilize. Allow a couple of minutes for the ATC to correct for temperature change.

    Note the pH.

    Press "HOLD/CON" button if you wish to hold the reading.

    Press it again to release it.

    Press the ON/OFF button to shut off.

    MAINTENANCE

    Rinse the electrode with DI or RO water after using.

    To maximize electrode life, place a small piece of clean paper or sponge in the cap, moisten with tap water and replace cap.

    CHANGING BATTERIES

    Flip up the battery compartment lid

    Remove old batteries and replace with four fresh DA675 or model 303 battery noting polarity as shown in the battery compartment.

    After changing batteries, recalibration is necessary.

    Model 1010 Series 2.5 l Niskin Sampler

    Operating Instructions

    Field Use

    1. Tie the end of the rope to the boat to secure the Niskin Sampler.
    2. Place top-plug lanyard loop over bottle cap release pin (the longer pin).
    3. Release pushrod cap and snap bottom plug lanyard between top plug lanyard ball and pin. Do not put into loop.
    4. Simultaneously (with one hand) depress thumb block, and hold pushrod in place (at base of lower mounting block).
    5. Put Niskin Sampler in the sampling area 30 cm down into water to the color band.
    6. Wave the Niskin Sampler back and fourth five times.
    7. Pull the rope to make the caps shuts to collect water sample.
    8. Extract Niskin Sampler from river.
    9. Open the valve and draw water to four sampling bottles.
    10. Open the tops and dump out the left over water.
    11. Rinse the Niskin Sampler three times in the inside with deionized water.
    12. Put the Niskin Sampler in a clean plastic bag.
    Maintenance
    1. Wash bottle with fresh water and DO water after use and before storage.
    2. Store bottles with valves in final closed position.
    3. After extended storage, especially before every deployment, make sure that all moving parts and seals are free to perform.
    4. Replace black power cord (spring) when its force drops 25% below initial values
    5. In high sediment-laden water, do not grease working parts.
    6. Grit trapped in grease scours sealing surfaces.
    7. Inspect O rings for damage.
    8. Adjust knots in latex tubing to control any leakage.

    Back