Field Chemistry Developed by Ken Cooke Kentucky Division of Water Watershed Watch Program Coordinator Modified by Mike Kemp Professor of Environmental Engineering Technology Murray State University WEF_Field_Chemistry 1
Field Chemistry Tests pH Dissolved oxygen Conductivity Temperature WEF_Field_Chemistry 2 Some things are best done in person
Field Chemistry Equipment WEF_Field_Chemistry 3 3 Testing strips such as pH paper and “dip strips” are not as accurate Testing kits Alcohol or mineral spirit Thermometers Conductivity/TDS meters (calibrated) pH meters calibrated with standard solutions
Measuring pH WEF_Field_Chemistry 4
pH Testing Kit WEF_Field_Chemistry 5
pH–Good Between 6-9 Standard Units WEF_Field_Chemistry 6 Basic or Alkaline Range Acid Range
Interpreting pH Results WEF_Field_Chemistry 7
Measuring Dissolved Oxygen WEF_Field_Chemistry 8
Range of Tolerance for Dissolved Oxygen in Fish WEF_Field_Chemistry 9
Dissolved Oxygen Testing Kit WEF_Field_Chemistry 10
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Dissolved Oxygen Levels WEF_Field_Chemistry 13
Interpreting Dissolved Oxygen Results WEF_Field_Chemistry 14
Dissolved Oxygen Temperature WEF_Field_Chemistry 15
Measuring Conductivity WEF_Field_Chemistry 16
Conductivity Meter WEF_Field_Chemistry 17
Conductivity WEF_Field_Chemistry 18
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Conductivity Flow WEF_Field_Chemistry 20
Field Observations Flow (0-5 point scale) 24 hour rainfall (in inches) Turbidity (0-3 point scale) WEF_Field_Chemistry 21 Some things are best done in person
Flow Observations 0 = Dry 1 = Ponded 2 = Low 3 = Normal 4 = Bank Full 5 = FLOOD! WEF_Field_Chemistry 22 WEF_Field_Chemistry 22 Get to know your creek 4 = Bank Full5 = Flood! 0 = Dry
Channel Discharge WEF_Field_Chemistry 23
Estimate Rainfall in Your Watershed in Quarter Inches for the Last 24 Hours WEF_Field_Chemistry 24 Use Weather Channel, local paper or Toad Gauge
Turbidity (0-3 Point Scale) WEF_Field_Chemistry 25 ValueObservationNTUs 0Crystal Clear0 NTUs 1Clear1-3 NTUs 2Cloudy4-12 NTUs 3Muddy>12 NTUs
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Other Observations to Make Putrescent or otherwise objectionable bottom deposits Oil, scum, and floating debris in amounts that are unsightly Nuisance levels of odor, color, other conditions WEF_Field_Chemistry 27
Field Chemistry Check List DO kit pH kit Thermometer Spent chemical waste container Conductivity meter and screwdriver “Blue Book” of instructions Recording forms Pencil First aid kit WEF_Field_Chemistry 28
Equipment Use There are hazardous chemicals in these kits! DO test uses a strong alkali (like bleach) pH test chemical is flammable Read material safety data sheets for handling and disposal instructions Use plastic spent chemical waste container at stream Dispose of waste properly at home WEF_Field_Chemistry 29