Project Advisor: Prof. Hedrick Advisee: Nathan Perrin EER Senior Project Continued Development of Prof. Hedrick’s Water Sampler Project Advisor: Prof. Hedrick Advisee: Nathan Perrin

Goals of Project Integration of temperature and conductivity sensor with existing hardware. Development of data storage and retrieval. http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/santa_barbara_california/images/Cold%20Spring%20East%20fork.jpg http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/

Diagram of Project

Background The water sampler is currently used to collect water samples at a user specified time interval. The water sampler is used in determining stream flow characteristics. 1.)The water sampler is currently used to collect water samples at a user specified time interval. (5 minutes ~ Several days). 2.)The water sampler is currently used for determining stream flow characteristics. 3.) Q = Qt*(C1-C2)/(C2-C0) Where Q = Steady flow rate, Qt = Steady dosing rate, C0 = Concentration undosed flow, C1 = Dose concentration, C2 = Concentration dose flow http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/wsb/pdfs/354.pdf

Purpose of Measuring Conductivity. “Conductivity in water is affected by the presence of inorganic dissolved solids such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate anions (ions that carry a negative charge) or sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and aluminum cations (ions that carry a positive charge). Organic compounds like oil, phenol, alcohol, and sugar do not conduct electrical current very well and therefore have a low conductivity when in water.” Take out www.epa.gov

Karst http://web.mala.bc.ca/geoscape/Karst.htm This is an example of a Karst. If you have ever been to Howe Caverns then you have seen a Karst. What is karst? Karst is unique landscape formed by the underground erosion of rocks such as limestone and marble that dissolve in water. Rainwater, made acidic by carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and soil, slowly infiltrates cracks in limestone and marble, dissolving the rock and enlarging the openings. Changes in water percolation and air flow can significantly alter these stable environments effecting both life forms and the rates of bedrock dissolution. http://web.mala.bc.ca/geoscape/Karst.htm http://web.mala.bc.ca/geoscape/Karst.htm

Application of Conductivity By using a conductivity sensor, samples could be taken when there is a sudden spike in the specific conductivity. The test tubes could then be analyzed in the lab to determine the cause of the sudden spike. This could apply to different types of studies. Instead of taking physical samples at a set interval, samples could be taken when the conductivity increases a specified amount and a time stamp could used. The temperature is also required to adjust the measured conductivity. Specific Conductance (Measurement taken at 25 °C of Barton Spgs at Austin, TX waterdata.usgs.gov USGS Site 08155500 Barton Spgs at Austin, TX

Conductivity Meter Specifications of Conductivity Measurements 2 mS: 0.2 to 2.0 mS/0.001 mS/±(3%FS +1d) 20 mS: 2 to 20.0 mS/0.01 mS/±(3%FS +1d) Mention how the range of the measurement is related to the next slide. www.omega.com

Specific Conductivities Different Water Samples Sample at 25oC Conductivity microScm-1 Ultrapure Water 0.055 Power Plant Boiler Water 1.0 Drinking Water 50 Ocean Water 53,000 5% NaCl 223,000 50% NaOH 150,000 10% HCl 700,000 32% HCl 31% HNO3 865,000   http://www.thermorussell.com/techcond.htm

Data Storage and Collection Readings from sensor will be stored for each water sample taken. Formatting of readings will allow user to quickly find tubes containing sample with conductivity levels of interest. Use of removable media would allow easy access to collected data.

Acknowledgments Prof. Hedrick (Union College) Gene Davison Prof. Shaw (Union College)