Investigation and Evaluation of Current and Emerging Whole-Water Sampling Technologies for U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment Program

Abstract

4 INTRODUCTION 5 PROJECT ORGANIZATION 7 METHOD OF RESEARCH 8 SUMMARY OF RESULTS 9 CURRENT LOTIC SAMPLERS 10 PORTALBE AUTONOMOUS WHOLE-WATER SAMPLERS 14 CURRENT AUTONOMOUS SUBMERGIBLE WHOLE-WATER SAMPLERS........17 EMERGING AUTONOMOUS SUBMERGIBLE WHOLE-WATER SAMPLERS.......21 CONCLUSION OF PROJECT 22 REFERENCES 26 APPENDIX A (Master outline) 28 APPENDIX B (Lotic water samplers) 31 APPENDIX C (Portable autonomous whole-water samplers) 42 APPENDIX D (Autonomous submergible whole-water samplers) 48 Investigation and Evaluation of Current and Emerging Whole-Water Sampling Technologies 4 Abstract An investigation was conducted into current and emerging surface water sampling technologies.An investigation was conducted into current and emerging surface water sampling technologies. These technologies were compared and recommendations given to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for adoption by the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The goal is to reduce labor costs and increase information content. This paper examines lotic system samplers, portable autonomous whole-water samplers, and autonomous submergible whole-water samplers. When investigating whole-water sampling technology, it was imperative to take into consideration what chemical classifications can be sampled for by each respected technology. Chemical classifications considered are: emerging contaminants, major ions, nutrients, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, and trace elements. The result of this project shows that USGS is currently using the best technology available for lotic systems. For portable autonomous whole-water samplers it is recommended that USGS incorporate certain brands and models to reduce cost and improve data collection for their sampling events. Autonomous submergible whole-water samplers are primarily advertised for oceanic research; however, if deployed in fresh water systems, USGS can reduce labor cost and increase data collection. In terms of emerging technology, it has been recommended to USGS to consider recent patents.