Inexpensive substrate sampler for macroinvertebrates

Assessment of aquatic macroinvertebrates is a critical component of many watershed monitoring programs and passive samplers are often used to collect long-term site data, especially in environments where active sampling is not possible. However, standard passive samplers can be expensive and lost in extreme conditions. We developed a sampler using plastic soda bottles (PSB) filled with river rock and compared its effectiveness with standard Hester-Dendy samplers in both lotic and lentic environments. Abundance, taxa richness, and macroinvertebrate composition showed no significant differences between sampler types in either habitat type. PSB samplers, which can be constructed for less than one dollar each, collected the same number of organisms and represented the same diversity as Hester-Dendy devices that cost around $38 each. In studies where funds are limited, PSB samplers appear to be suitable for passive monitoring.     

A BASKET SAMPLING TECHNIQUE FOR QUANTIFYING RIVERINE MACROBENTHOS1

ABSTRACT: A colonization basket sampling technique for quantifying macroinvertebrates in rubble bottom rivers is described. Basket samplers were compared to collections made using the Surber square foot sampler. Procedure for processing samples is described. Macrobenthos were more accurately quantified by basket samplers because both surface and subsurface habitats were sampled, no organisms were lost when samplers were removed from the river, substrata and associated fauna were retained for analysis, and the samplers were used efficiently in both pool and riffle areas. At the end of the colonization period the basket samplers contained one-half cubic foot of river bottom and macroinvertebrates spatially arranged within.     

Estrogenic Compounds Downstream From Three Small Cities in Eastern Nebraska: Occurrence and Biological Effect1

Abstract: Recent studies have detected estrogenic compounds in surface waters in North America and Europe. Furthermore, the presence of estrogenic compounds in surface waters has been attributed, in some cases, to the discharge of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent. The primary objective of the current study was to determine if WWTP effluent contributes estrogens to the surface waters of Nebraska. A second objective of this study was to determine if estrogens were found in concentrations sufficient enough to manifest feminizing effects on fish. These objectives were satisfied by deploying polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) and caged fathead minnows at eight field sites. Deployment sites included: three reference sites (Pawnee Creek, the Little Blue River, and the Middle Loup River), two sites upstream of the WWTPs at Grand Island and Columbus, and three sites downstream of the WWTPs at Grand Island, Columbus, and Hastings. Following the seven day deployments, POCIS extracts were analyzed for estrone, 17β‐estradiol, estriol and 17α‐ethinylestradiol using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). 17β‐estradiol was detected in POCIS from six of the eight field sites with the greatest quantities recovered in POCIS deployed downstream from the Grand Island and Hastings WWTPs. Estrone was detected only in the POCIS deployed downstream from the Grand Island and Hastings WWTPs. Estrogenic effects were detected in caged minnows analyzed for the hepatic mRNA expression of two estrogen‐responsive genes, vitellogenin (vg1) and estrogen receptor α (ERα). Fish deployed at the site where the greatest quantities of estrogens were recovered (Hastings) had significantly higher expression of both vg1 and ERα than fish deployed at any of the other sites. These results confirm that WWTP effluent contributes biologically significant levels of estrogens to Nebraska surface waters.     

Passive monitoring of nitrogen dioxide in urban air: a case study of Durban metropolis, South Africa

To devise and implement strategies to manage the quality of urban air, a metropolis needs air pollution data on which an air quality management plan can be formulated. Although air pollutants can come from several sources, many reports suggest that nitrogen dioxide from motor vehicle emissions is the major contributor to air pollution in cities. Since vehicles stop or move slowly through traffic intersections, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) are expected to be relatively high at these sites. Inexpensive Ogawa passive samplers were placed at selected traffic intersections in the Durban Metropolis to trap the NO(2) which was then analysed by a sensitive laboratory-based method. The data obtained by this method was compared with data from sophisticated system comprising an active sampler cum on-line chemiluminescence detector. The sampling was done over a twelve month period to cover all seasons. Statistical analysis of the data showed that there was no significant difference between the means for the two methods. This study has established that an Ogawa passive sampler may be used as an economical and reliable collector for NO(2) in ambient air under varying climatic conditions. Further, the analysis method using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer was sensitive enough to detect NO(2) at the 10-20 ppb level. The cost of the method should be well within the budgets of most municipalities and it would motivate them to develop policies to alleviate traffic congestion.     

Evaluation of a System to Automatically Sample Zooplankton From the Discharge of Dams1

ABSTRACT: Automatic plankton samplers installed at two dams on the Connecticut River Continuously monitored crustacean zooplankton from October 1977 through 1979 and allowed a significant reduction in man-hours involved in an extensive sampling program. Automatic samplers efficiently sampled most species and size classes of crustacean zooplankton in a similar, but not consistently identical manner as a commonly used towed-net plankton sampler. The smallest sized zooplankton were captured more efficiently than the largest. Mesh selection and sampler avoidance exerted different influences on automatic samplers and towed nets. Future use of the samplers and direct comparison of results to results obtained by other methods was supported.     

Passive Samplers for NOx Monitoring: A Critical Review

Nitrogen oxide is an important gaseous air pollutant. It plays a major role in atmospheric chemistry, particularly in the formation of secondary air pollutants such as ozone, peroxyacyl nitrate (PAN), nitrate aerosols, and contributes to environmental acidification. A comprehensive assessment of NO₂ levels in the atmosphere is required for developing effective strategies for control of air pollution and improvement of air quality. Consequently, spatial NO₂ monitoring has become an important aspect of air quality assessment. Present NO₂ monitoring networks are mostly confined to urban areas, having a limited number of monitoring sites. Wide spatial NO₂ monitoring in India is constrained because of the limited availability of the monitoring equipment, such as continuous chemiluminesence monitors, high volume and handy samplers, which are expensive and need to be imported. Moreover, they require elaborate infrastructure, scientific personnel, technical support and uninterrupted power supply. In an effort to overcome the above shortcomings, passive samplers have been successfully used for large scale monitoring of NO₂ in the ambient environment.In recent years, passive samplers have been gaining increasing attention because they are simple, lightweight and cheap devices, which operate without any power source. Passive samplers have been found to be efficient, cost effective and free from the need for elaborate calibration and maintenance. Hence, they are ideally suited for developing a wide spatial network for NO₂ monitoring. This paper presents a comprehensive review including, historical development and critical assessment of validation studies along with comparison of both badge and tube type passive samplers. An attempt has been also made to highlight advantages and limitations, as well as discussion on the factors affecting the efficiency of passive samplers under field conditions.     

DETRITUS ABUNDANCE AND BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE CATCH IN ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATE SAMPLES FROM MOUNTAIN STREAMS1

ABSTRACT: Artificial substrates were designed using rock filled polyethylene bags which were perforated with holes. The substrates trapped waterborne sediment and detritus which enhanced microhabitat complexity. Colonization was compared in side-by-side tests with multiple plate samplers in mountain streams ranging from second to seventh order. After 41 days the bag samples contained more sediment and detritus and more animals than did multiple plates. Plastic bags exceeded multiple plate samples by a factor of nearly 8 for individuals and 1.5 for taxa expressed as numbers/sampler. Although detritus amounts differed significantly between samplers, catch composition was similar in habitat preference and functional groups. Most taxa were “lotic erosional” or “lotic erosional-depositional” detritivores. The plastic bags better represented the streambed fauna judged by their greater similarity to dip net samples. Bag samplers had 4.5 × the colonization area of multiple plates, hence would be expected to support more species. Catch/m² of colonization area was not significantly different between samplers. Functionally the plastic bags act as detritus retention devices, offering a diverse, highly dynamic microhabitat for colonization. Results are interpretable in terms of research on microdistribution of stream benthos and the river continuum model. This study supports the conclusion that stream benthos abundance and diversity are related to the amount of detritus. Maximum diversity and numbers of individuals occurred in samples from third and fourth order streams. Grazers reached peak abundances in the same streams where the continuum model predicts P>R Shredders reached maximum abundances in third and fourth order streams where the riparian canopy was greatest. Predator abundance changed little with stream size. Although bag samples required more sorting time, the samplers are catch effective, inexpensive, and adaptable.     

EFFECTS OF SPATIAL ORIENTATION OF MULTIPLE PLATE ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATES ON INVERTEBRATE COLONIZATION1

ABSTRACT: Jumbo multiple plate samplers were suspended in a river at 0.3 and 1 m depth in one of three orientations: interplate spaces closed to downwelling light and open to flow, open to light and flow, or open to light and closed to flow. Mean numbers of colonizing taxa and individuals were not significantly different among orientations after eight weeks of submergence. All variables tested decreased significantly with depth. Mean number of taxa, number of individuals (1 m only), and insect diversity decreased between samplings at four and eight weeks for samplers that were closed to light and open to flow. All orientations, depths, and durations had one-half to two-thirds of the total taxa. Colonization was affected by location in the river and position on sampler suspension equipment. The results indicate lack of orientation effects on colonization or high variability that obscured such effects. The sampler suspension equipment possibly increased among-sampler variability by forming artificial snag habitats, and interplate light and flow conditions at different orientations may not have been sufficiently distinct to elicit different biological responses. Individual samplers provided diverse microhabitats regardless of orientation, but it would be prudent to include orientation among the variables considered in use of multiple plate samplers.     

MODIFYING AUTOMATED PUMPING SAMPLERS FOR USE IN SMALL MOUNTAIN STREAMS1

ABSTRACT: Two modifications to automated pumping samplers improve discrete sampling during high flow events in small mountain streams. One modification entails mounting the intake nozzle on a bent, free-swinging metal rod supported in midstream. This allows sampling in midstream yet prevents the buildup of floatable organic debris that otherwise would cause the intake to fail. On the lower end of the rod, dynamic forces exerted by the stream keep the intake submerged over diverse flow conditions. The second modification consists of a magnetic switching device that automatically activates the pumping sampler at any preset stage on the rising limb of a storm hydrograph. The pumping sampler then remains on to collect one sample per hour which allows field crews sufficient time to change bottles before the sampler fills its 28-bottle capacity. This device improves the capability to sample frequently at fixed intervals, yet with minimal maintenance between runoff events. It also ensures sample collection during the rising limb of the hydrograph when flow and sediment concentrations are rapidly changing. Both modifications have improved data collection during periods of storm runoff.     

COMPARISON OF FOUR ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATES AND THE PONAR GRAB FOR BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE COLLECTION1

ABSTRACT: Four different bottom-placed artificial substrates were compared with the Ponar grab for collecting benthic invertebrates. Artificial substrate samples of organisms were larger and more diverse than those of the grab. Barbeque Basket samplers caught the most taxa and individuals and Beak Trays caught the least. Chironomids and crustaceans were dominant in artificial substrate samples. Exposure habitat (left or right bank) determined taxa availability, whereas sampler design determined suitability for colonization by the taxa. Diversity for Beak Tray samples was lower than that for other artificial substrates but higher than for Ponar samples. The Barbeque Basket, Bull Basket, and Multiple Plate samples were taxonomically similar. Ponar samples were different, and Beak Trays were of intermediate similarity. As qualitative samplers, Barbeque Baskets were 63 percent efficient, followed by Bull Baskets (55 percent), Multiple Plates (48 percent), Beak Trays (38 percent), and Ponar Grabs (6–10 percent). Bull Baskets required the least and Beak Trays the most replicates to be within a preselected percentage error of the mean at the 95 percent probability level for numbers of taxa and individuals, and for diversity. Under conditions of the study, Bull Baskets ranked highest, followed by Barbeque Baskets and Multiple Plates, in selected performance criteria. Differences between grab and artificial substrate samples are explainable in terms of major riverine habitats and characteristics of the collection methods.     

AUTOMATIC BOTTLE SEALING MECHANISM FOR SEQUENTIAL SAMPLING OF VOLATILE ORGANICS IN WATER1

ABSTRACT: The design, construction, and evaluation of two automatic bottle sealing mechanisms for the collection of volatile organic compounds in water are described. Manually collected samples were either stored in uncapped bottles or in bottles capped with the automatic bottle sealing mechanisms. After 24 hours' storage, significant losses of volatile compounds from uncapped samples occurred even if the samples were stored at 4°C, but not for the samples capped with the automatic bottle sealing mechanisms. The mechanism for sealing the sample bottles was integrated into a commercial sampler with minor modifications to the sampler. The sampling system was then evaluated under controlled conditions to simulate actual field sampling. The results showed that the system was suitable for taking sequential discrete water samples automatically for 24 hours without significant losses of volatile organic compounds.     

A Depth‐Proportional Intake Device for Automatic Water Samplers1

Abstract: This paper describes the construction and testing of a device for pumping water samplers that collects suspended sediment samples by moving the intake vertically to keep it at the same proportion of flow depth. The device uses a simple sprocket mechanism that can be mounted vertically on the downstream side of culverts and bridge pilings to protect against damage from floating debris during storms. Suspended sediment samples collected from an urban stream with the depth‐proportional device were compared with manual samples taken with a depth‐integrated sampler. Scatter in the relationship between pumped and manual samples (R² = 0.76) are probably explained by horizontal variability in concentrations, poor mixing associated with lateral sediment inputs from construction site erosion, the downstream orientation of the intake, and the failure of the concentration at 60% of the flow depth to match the average vertical concentration.     

SEDIMENT TRANSPORT DURING A CONTROLLED RESERVOIR RELEASE1

The transport of bedload and suspended sediments and particulate organic matter was evaluated in Huntington Creek, Utah, during a controlled release of water from Electric Lake Reservoir from August 7–10, 1979. Effects of the release on channel geometry and riffle composition also were assessed. Bedload transport rates increased from zero to 1,650 and 1,500 kg/hr at two cross sections as discharge was increased from 0.4 to 4.9 m³/s; transport rates then decreased erratically as discharge was held constant. Cross section measurements and sediment size analysis indicate that flows were insufficient to transport riffle sediments. Rapid increases in the transport rates of suspended sediments and particulate organic matter also occurred during rising discharge and again decayed when discharge became constant. Suspended sediment concentrations for samples obtained with an automatic pumping sampler were generally less than those found for samples obtained with a DH-48 sampler. Biological measurements still are needed to determine if such a release can improve fisheries habitat by removing fine sediments.     

Determination of dominant biogeochemical processes in a contaminated aquifer-wetland system using multivariate statistical analysis

Determining the processes governing aqueous biogeochemistry in a wetland hydrologically linked to an underlying contaminated aquifer is challenging due to the complex exchange between the systems and their distinct responses to changes in precipitation, recharge, and biological activities. To evaluate temporal and spatial processes in the wetland-aquifer system, water samples were collected using cm-scale multi-chambered passive diffusion samplers (peepers) to span the wetland-aquifer interface over a period of 3 yr. Samples were analyzed for major cations and anions, methane, and a suite of organic acids resulting in a large dataset of over 8000 points, which was evaluated using multivariate statistics. Principal component analysis (PCA) was chosen with the purpose of exploring the sources of variation in the dataset to expose related variables and provide insight into the biogeochemical processes that control the water chemistry of the system. Factor scores computed from PCA were mapped by date and depth. Patterns observed suggest that (i) fermentation is the process controlling the greatest variability in the dataset and it peaks in May; (ii) iron and sulfate reduction were the dominant terminal electron-accepting processes in the system and were associated with fermentation but had more complex seasonal variability than fermentation; (iii) methanogenesis was also important and associated with bacterial utilization of minerals as a source of electron acceptors (e.g., barite BaSO(4)); and (iv) seasonal hydrological patterns (wet and dry periods) control the availability of electron acceptors through the reoxidation of reduced iron-sulfur species enhancing iron and sulfate reduction.     

A STAGE-ACTIVATED TRIGGERING DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC PUMPING SAMPLERS1

A device to trigger automatic pumping samplers at discrete stages on headwater streams in southeastern Oklahoma was developed. The magnetic switch column employs a sequence of magnetic reed switches wired in parallel and set at 0.03 m (0.10 ft) intervals. A magnetic float inside the column closes the reed switches, therby triggering the sampler as stage rises and falls. The columns were constructed from inexpensive, readily-available materials. Following installation and field calibration, the columns provided relaible and representative sampling during 12 storms, at three sites. The magnetic switch column may be used in a wide range of research and monitoring sites to improve water quality sampling.     

Investigation of trace element atmospheric pollution by nuclear analytical techniques at a global scale: harmonized approaches supported by the IAEA

In the framework of the IAEA programmes, Member States involved in air pollution studies using nuclear analytical techniques have harmonized their methodologies. Participants characterising chemical composition of size fractionated airborne particulate matter based their methodology on a common type of air sampler, centralised data collection and evaluation, and the same kind of data processing. Institutions involved in biomonitoring air pollution identified appropriate organisms to be applied at a regional scale, and harmonized procedures for sample preparation and analysis, as well as data processing and presentation. Both metrology approaches have been validated and disseminated in many Member States.     

EVALUATION OF A DEPTH PROPORTIONAL INTAKE DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC PUMPING SAMPLERS1

ABSTRACT: A depth proportional intake boom for portable pumping samplers was used to collect suspended sediment samples in two coastal streams for three winters. The boom pivots on the stream bed while a float on the downstream end allows debris to depress the boom and pass without becoming trapped. This equipment modifies point sampling by maintaining the intake nozzle at the same proportion of water depth regardless of stage. Data taken by pumping samplers with intakes mounted on the boom were compared with depth integrated hand samples. Pumped samples showed higher concentrations than depth integrated hand samples. Results suggested that cross-sectional sampling can give high precision with proper placement and calibration of a boom mounted intake.     

Acrylamide monomer leaching from polyacrylamide-treated irrigation furrows

Water-soluble anionic polyacrylamide (WSPAM), which is used to reduce erosion in furrow irrigated fields and other agriculture applications, contains less than 0.05% acrylamide monomer (AMD). Acrylamide monomer, a potent neurotoxicant and suspected carcinogen, is readily dissolved and transported in flowing water. The study quantified AMD leaching losses from a WSPAM-treated corn (Zea mays L.) field using continuous extraction-walled percolation samplers buried at 1.2 m depth. The samplers were placed 30 and 150 m from the inflow source along a 180-m-long corn field. The field was furrow irrigated using WSPAM at the rate of 10 mg L(-1) during furrow advance. Percolation water and furrow inflows were monitored for AMD during and after three furrow irrigations. The samples were analyzed for AMD using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron-capture detector. Furrow inflows contained an average AMD concentration of 5.5 microg L(-1). The AMD in percolation water samples never exceeded the minimum detection limit and the de facto potable water standard of 0.5 microg L(-1). The risk that ground water beneath these WSPAM-treated furrow irrigated soils will be contaminated with AMD appears minimal.     

Avoiding over-implementation of agri-environmental schemes for steppe bird conservation: A species-focused proposal based on expert criteria

This study presents an assessment, resulting from consultation with experts in steppe-bird conservation (scientists, officers and conservationists) using the Delphi method, of a broad range of agri-environmental measures (AEMs) which have been applied in agricultural areas in Spain, with particular reference to four threatened steppe bird species. The measures which experts have valued most highly relate to the maintenance of fallow land, the prohibition of agrochemicals and the suspension of certain agricultural practices when the species are nesting. Other AEMs which have frequently been mentioned as beneficial for steppe birds, including the maintenance of straw-mulched fallows and the abandonment of farmland, were rejected by the experts. The assessment showed a high degree of consensus between experts, although differences between the four studied species were detected. Delphi assessment indicated that different birds need different AEMs. In addition, expert evaluation showed that different AEMs can cause the same effect on the target species, which could generate an over-implementation of measures. Finally, we evaluated the financial implementation of the AEMs selected by the Delphi using a Special Protection Area for birds (SPA) in the Madrid region as a case study. All the hypothetical scenarios used yielded assumable costs, oscillating between 1 and 2 times the current AEMs expenditure. In conclusion, in extensive agrarian systems with already high conservation merits, the implementation of AEMS could be improved using species-specific assessments, thus avoiding over-implementation and improving the fit between costs and benefits for conservation.     

Passive treatment of acid mine drainage in bioreactors using sulfate-reducing bacteria: critical review and research needs

Acid mine drainage (AMD), characterized by low pH and high concentrations of sulfate and heavy metals, is an important and widespread environmental problem related to the mining industry. Sulfate-reducing passive bioreactors have received much attention lately as promising biotechnologies for AMD treatment. They offer advantages such as high metal removal at low pH, stable sludge, very low operation costs, and minimal energy consumption. Sulfide precipitation is the desired mechanism of contaminant removal; however, many mechanisms including adsorption and precipitation of metal carbonates and hydroxides occur in passive bioreactors. The efficiency of sulfate-reducing passive bioreactors is sometimes limited because they rely on the activity of an anaerobic microflora [including sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)] which is controlled primarily by the reactive mixture composition. The most important mixture component is the organic carbon source. The performance of field bioreactors can also be limited by AMD load and metal toxicity. Several studies conducted to find the best mixture of natural organic substrates for SRB are reviewed. Moreover, critical parameters for design and long-term operation are discussed. Additional work needs to be done to properly assess the long-term efficiency of reactive mixtures and the metal removal mechanisms. Furthermore, metal speciation and ecotoxicological assessment of treated effluent from on-site passive bioreactors have yet to be performed.