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.