Field Chemistry Developed by Ken Cooke Kentucky Division of Water Watershed Watch Program...

Field Chemistry

Developed by Ken CookeKentucky Division of Water

Watershed Watch Program Coordinator

Modified by Mike KempProfessor of Environmental Engineering Technology

Murray State University

Field Chemistry Tests

• pH• Dissolved Oxygen• Conductivity• Temperature

*Some things are best done in person.

Field Chemistry Equipment

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 • 4-7-10 standard solutions

Measuring pH

pH Testing Kit

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pH-Good Between 6-9 Standard Units

Acid Range

Basic or Alkaline Range

Interpreting pH Results

Measuring Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved Oxygen Testing Kit

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Dissolved Oxygen Levels

0-4 mg/l = poor4-7 mg/l = fair7-10 mg/l = good10-14 mg/l = excellentover 14 = ? (Check your test!)

Interpreting Dissolved Oxygen Results

Dissolved Oxygen

Temperature

Measuring Conductivity

Conductivity Meter

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Conductivity O

il and Gas W

ell Discharge

The higher the number, the poorer the quality.

Waste W

ater Impact

Norm

al Stream

Rain

Conductivity

Flow

Field Observations

• Flow (0-5 point scale)• 24 hour rainfall (in inches)• Turbidity (0-3 point scale)

*Some things are best done in person.

0=Dry

4=Bank Full

5=Flood!

Flow Observations

0 = Dry1 = Ponded2 = Low3 = Normal4 = Bank Full5 = FLOOD!

*Get to know your creek.

Estimate rainfall in your watershedin quarter inches for the last 24 hours.

Use Weather Channel, local paper orToad Gauge.

Value Observation NTUs

0 Crystal Clear 0 NTUs

1 Clear 1-3 NTUs

2 Cloudy 4-12 NTUs

3 Muddy >12 NTUs

Turbidity (0-3 point scale)

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

• DO kit• pH kit• Thermometer• Spent chemical waste container• Conductivity meter and screwdriver• “Blue Book” of instructions• Recording forms• Pencil• First aid kit

Field Chemistry Check List

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.