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USGS1982

Quality assurance practices for the chemical and biological analyses of water and fluvial sediments

This chapter contains practices used by the U.S. Geological Survey to assure the quality of analytical data for water, fluvial sediment, and aquatic organisms. These practices are directed primarily toward personnel making water quality measurements. Some detail specific quality control techniques, others document quality assurance procedures being used by the Central Laboratories System of the U.S. Geological Survey, and still others describe various statistical techniques and give examples of their use in evaluating and assuring the quality of analytical data. The practices are arranged into eight sections: Analytical Methods Development Procedures, Standard Quantitative Analysis Techniques, Instrumental Techniques, Reference Material, Laboratory Quality Control; Quality Assurance Monitoring; Documentation, Summary, and Evaluation of Data, Materials Evaluation. Each section is preceded by a brief description of the material covered. Similarly within each section, each practice is preceded by a description of its application or scope.

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations↗
USGS2008

Chapter A7 Biological Indicators

The National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data (National Field Manual) provides guidelines and standard procedures for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) personnel who collect data used to assess the quality of the Nation's surface-water and ground-water resources. This chapter of the manual includes procedures for the (1) determination of biochemical oxygen demand using a 5-day bioassay test; (2) collection, identification, and enumeration of fecal indicator bacteria; (3) collection of samples and information on two laboratory methods for fecal indicator viruses (coliphages); and (4) collection of samples for protozoan pathogens. Each chapter of the National Field Manual is published separately and revised periodically. Newly published and revised chapters will be announced on the USGS Home Page on the World Wide Web under 'New Publications of the U.S. Geological Survey.'

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations↗
USGS2005

Water resources data, Wyoming, water year 2004; Volume 1. Surface water; with List of discontinued and active surface-water, water-quality, sediment, and biological stations

Water resources data for the 2004 water year for Wyoming consist of records of stage, discharge and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality of ground water. Volume 1 of this report contains discharge records for 164 gaging stations; water quality for 43 gaging stations and 45 ungaged stations, and stage and contents for one reservoir. Volume 2 of this report contains water levels records for 64 wells. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements. These data represent part of the National Water Information System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Wyoming.

Water Data Report↗
USGS2002

Baseline assessment of instream and riparian-zone biological resources on the Rio Grande in and near Big Bend National Park, Texas

Five study sites, and a sampling reach within each site, were established on the Rio Grande in and near Big Bend National Park in 1999 to provide the National Park Service with data and information on the status of stream habitat, fish communities, and benthic macroinvertebrates. Differences in stream-habitat conditions and riparian vegetation reflect differences in surface geology among the five sampling reaches. In the most upstream reach, Colorado Canyon, where igneous rock predominates, streambed material is larger; and riparian vegetation is less diverse and not as dense as in the four other, mostly limestone reaches. Eighteen species of fish and a total of 474 individuals were collected among the five reaches; 348 of the 474 were minnows. The most fish species (15) were collected at the Santa Elena reach and the fewest species (9) at the Colorado Canyon and Johnson Ranch reaches. The fish community at Colorado Canyon was least like the fish communities at the four other reaches. Fish trophic structure reflected fish-community structure among the five reaches. Invertivores made up at least 60 percent of the trophic structure at all reaches except Colorado Canyon. Piscivores dominated the trophic structure at Colorado Canyon. At the four other reaches, piscivores were the smallest trophic group. Eighty percent of the benthic macroinvertebrate taxa collected were aquatic insects. Two species of blackfly were the most frequently collected invertebrate taxon. Net-spinning caddisflies were common at all reaches except Santa Elena. The aquatic-insect community at the Boquillas reach was least similar to the aquatic-insect community at the other reaches.

Texas↗
USGS2003

Relations of biological indicators to nutrient data for lakes and streams in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, 1990-98

The Clean Water Action Plan of 1998 provides a blueprint for federal agencies to work with states, tribes, and other stakeholders to protect and restore the Nation's water resources. The plan includes an initiative that addresses the nutrient-enrichment problem of lakes and streams across the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is working to set nutrient criteria by nationwide nutrient ecoregions that are an aggregation of the Omernik level III ecoregions. Because low levels of nutrients are necessary for healthy streams and elevated concentrations can cause algal blooms that deplete available oxygen and kill off aquatic organisms, criteria levels are to be set, in part, using the relation between chlorophyll a and concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus. Data from Pennsylvania and West Virginia, collected between 1990 and 1998, were analyzed for relations between chlorophyll a , nutrients, and other explanatory variables. Both phytoplankton and periphyton chlorophyll a concentrations from lakes and streams were analyzed separately within each of the USEPA nutrient ecoregions located within the boundaries of the two states. These four nutrient ecoregions are VII (Mostly Glaciated Dairy), VIII (Nutrient Poor, Largely Glaciated Upper Midwest and Northeast), IX (Southeastern Temperate Forested Plains and Hills), and XI (Central and Eastern Forested Uplands). Phytoplankton chlorophyll a concentrations in lakes were related to total nitrogen, total phosphorus, Secchi depth, concentration of dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, and specific conductivity. In nutrient ecoregion VII, nutrients were not significant predictors of chlorophyll a concentrations. Total nitrogen, Secchi depth, and pH were significantly related to phytoplankton chlorophyll a concentrations in nutrient ecoregion IX. Lake periphyton chlorophyll a concentrations from nutrient ecoregion XI were related to total phosphorus rather than total nitrogen, Secchi depth, and pH. In all cases, Secchi depth was inversely related to the chlorophyll a concentrations in a lake. Nutrient ecoregion VIII had too few samples for any type of analysis. Streams within the different nutrient ecoregions had many variables that were significantly related to periphyton chlorophyll a concentrations. These variables consisted of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, drainage area, percent forest cover, several macroinvertebrate indices, pH, basin slope, total residue, total suspended solids, and water temperature. Nutrients were not significantly related to periphyton chlorophyll a in streams within nutrient ecoregions VII or IX but were in nutrient ecoregion XI. Drainage area, percent forest cover, and several invertebrate indices were significant variables in nutrient ecoregion VII. Percent forest cover and several invertebrate indices had a negative relation with chlorophyll a concentrations in these streams. Percent forest cover and basin slope had a negative effect on periphyton in nutrient ecoregion IX streams. Light availability was more critical to periphyton growth in streams than nutrients. Ecoregion XI had enough samples to do seasonal analyses. Summer-season periphyton chlorophyll a concentrations in nutrient ecoregion XI streams were positively related to total phosphorus and drainage area but negatively related to percent forest cover. Summer-season phytoplankton in streams was related to different variables within the same nutrient ecoregion. Both total nitrogen and total phosphorus were positively related with chlorophyll a concentrations as well as basin slope, total residue, and total suspended solids but negatively related to pH. The winter stream phytoplankton chlorophyll a concentrations were related to water temperature only.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2004

Chemical and biological quality of surface water at the U.S. Army Atterbury Reserve Forces Training Area near Edinburgh, Indiana, September 2000 through July 2001

A base-wide assessment of surface-water quality at the U.S. Army Atterbury Reserve Forces Training Area near Edinburgh, Indiana, examined short-term and long-term quality of surface water flowing into, across, and out of a 33,760-acre study area. The 30-day geometric-mean concentrations of fecal-indicator bacteria ( Escherichia coli ) in water samples from all 16 monitoring sites on streams in the study area were greater than the Indiana recreational water-quality standard. None of the bacteria concentrations in samples from four lakes exceeded the standard. Half the samples with bacteria concentrations greater than the single-sample standard contained chemical tracers potentially associated with human sewage. Increased turbidity of water samples was related statistically to increased bacteria concentration. Lead concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 micrograms per liter were detected in water samples at seven monitoring sites. Lead in one sample collected during high-streamflow conditions was greater than the calculated Indiana water-quality standard. With the exception of Escherichia coli and lead, 211 of 213 chemical constituents analyzed in water samples did not exceed Indiana water-quality standards. Out of 131 constituents analyzed in streambed-sediment and fish-tissue samples from three sites in the Common Impact Area for weapons training, the largest concentrations overall were detected for copper, lead, manganese, strontium, and zinc. Fish-community integrity, based on diversity and pollution tolerance, was rated poor at one of those three sites. Compared with State criteria, the fish-community data indicated 8 of 10 stream reaches in the study area could be categorized as "fully supporting" aquatic-life uses.

Indiana↗
USGS2004

Background and comparison of water-quality, streambed-sediment, and biological characteristics of streams in the Viburnum Trend and the exploration study areas, southern Missouri, 1995 and 2001

Missouri has a long history of lead mining in the Park Hills and Viburnum Trend areas. Lead ore production has been a significant economic presence since the settlement of Missouri in the 1700?s. As lead sources are depleted in active mining areas, new areas are being explored for economical ore bodies. The exploration area south of Winona, a possible extension of the Viburnum Trend lead-producing area, lies in an area of intense interest because of its scenic beauty and sensitive environment. Water-quality, streambed-sediment, fish tissue, instream and riparian habitat, and invertebrate-community samples were collected from three sites in the Viburnum Trend for the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program Black River synoptic study in 1995 and from four sites in the exploration study area in 2001. The samples, which were collected using NAWQA protocols, were analyzed and compared to establish background conditions and similarities between sites. Bacteria, lead, and zinc concentrations were substantially different between the study areas. Habitat characteristics, such as streambed substrate size and embeddedness were similar. The Eleven Point River at Turner?s Mill is substantially larger in size than the other six surveyed sites. Trace element concentrations in fish tissue samples collected in the two study areas are similar. Samples from both areas had elevated mercury levels. Invertebrate community data indicated similarity among the Viburnum Trend study area sites, but these sites had little in common with the exploration study area sites. The invertebrate community structure in the exploration study area were not similar.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1974

Chemical and biological quality of Lake Dicie at Eustis, Florida, with emphasis on the effects of storm runoff

After the construction of a storm drain designed to carry runoff from the southeastern part of the city of Eustis into Lake Dicie, algal blooms occurred in the lake. In order to determine the nature and extent of these blooms, the quality of both the lake and storm runoff into the lake was monitored from March 1971 through June 1973. Surface runoff makes up about 65 percent of the total input to the lake and the storm drain probably contributes about half of the total input. Average concentrations of the major ions in samples of storm runoff collected from the storm drain were not appreciably different from concentrations found in Lake Dicie. However, the storm runoff contained high concentrations of suspended sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, lead and other trace elements. Most of the sediment and trace elements and much of the phosphorus carried into the lake by storm runoff were trapped in the bottom sediments. The only appreciable change in the quality of the lake since it was first sampled in 1969 is a reduction in the concentration of phosphorus. The amount of inorganic nitrogen and soluble orthophosphate carried into the lake during this investigation was equivalent to about 3,500 pounds (1,600 kilograms) of 6-6-6 commercial fertilizer. Most of these nutrients were taken up by the large phytoplankton population and eventually incorporated into the bottom sediments in Lake Dicie. During much of the year Lake Dicie is thermally stratified and the water near the bottom becomes enriched with nutrients, particularly nitrogen, from the decomposition of algal cells and other organic matter. In the winter months, the water cools and the lake slowly "turns over." The mixing of the nitrogen-rich bottom water with the water in the upper part of the lake where the dissolved oxygen and light penetration are sufficient to support algae often results in explosive algal growth, commonly called a bloom. The two highest concentrations of phytoplankton observed in Lake Dicie during the investigation occurred in December when the lake was not stratified. In Big Bass Lake, a control lake which receives no street runoff, the phytoplankton population is much smaller than in Lake Dicie. Variations in the concentration of phytoplankton appear to be more closely related to rainfall (the major source of nitrogen and phosphorus for Big Bass Lake) than to the seasonal turnover in the lake.

Florida↗
USGS1977

Evaluation of chemical, biological, and physical conditions in the Winter Haven chain of lakes, Florida, March-June 1976

Reconnaissance of water-quality conditions of 14 interconnected navigable lakes, in and around Winter Haven, Fla., revealed that in March and May, 1976 most were eutrophic, on the basis of high nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) concentrations. Lakes Lulu and Shipp were the most enriched as a result of surface runoff from residential, agricultural, and highly urbanized areas, and many years of municipal and industrial waste effluent input. Phytoplankton counts were greater than a million cells per milliliter in some lakes sampled; algal blooms have ocurred, and water clarity was low. The level of Lake Howard fell to the lowest stage recorded in 31 years during May 1976. The record low was likely due to rainfall deficiency. Leakage of water through the lake beds to the ground-water system is also possible, but determination of the escaping water volume would require additional study. (Woodard-USGS)

Florida↗
USGS1979

Effects of landfill leaching on water quality and biology of a nearby stream, South Cairo, Greene County, New York

A 1-kilometer stream reach receiving leachate-enriched water from a small municipal landfill in Greene County, N.Y., was studied from 1971-75 to document streamflow rates and chemical quality of the stream and ground water. The distribution of benthic invertebrates and microorganisms in the stream above the landfill was markedly different from that below it; the difference is attributed to the inflow of leachate. The Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, and Nematomorpha have been eliminated from the reach adjacent to and below the landfill and have been replaced by large numbers of Tendipedidae and Niadidae. Certain chemical constituents, especially iron and manganese, were extremely concentrated in the ground water immediately beneath the streambed. The elevated concentrations of these and other metals may be the direct cause of the abrupt faunal shift. Algae were replaced by large masses of the iron bacterium Leptothrix in the stream reach below the landfill. (Kosco-USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1982

Physical, Hydrological, and Biological Characteristics of the Loxahatchee River Estuary, Florida

The Loxahatchee River estuary empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Jupiter Inlet in southeastern Florida. Although relatively small, the estuary is important for its esthetic value and for its sport fishing, boating, recreation, tourism, and prime residential development. In recent years, the condition of the estuary has become of concern to many citizens and agencies of the State. In response to this concern, the U.S. Geological Survey planned and carried out an in-depth environmental investigation. The events that led to the investigation and the objectives of the investigation are outlined in a recent U.S. Geological Survey report by McPherson and Sabanskas (WRI 80-1109).

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1984

Chemical and biological quality of streams at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana, 1978-80

A variety of land uses affects water quality of streams at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Discharge from storm sewers and runoff from roads contributed lead, zinc, and chlorinated hydrocarbons (chlordane, DOT, ODD, DDE, and PCB's) to all streams except Derby ditch. In addition, the Little Calumet River received ammonia from industrial discharges, and organic materials, nitrogen, phosphorus, and fecal coliform from wastewater-treatment-plant and combinedsanitary- and storm-sewer discharges. As a result, water at some sites in the lower reaches of the Little Calumet River contained dissolved-ammonium-nitrogen concentrations exceeding 0.10 milligram per liter, dissolved-oxygen concentrations less than 3.0 milligrams per liter, and fecal coliform populations exceeding 2,000 colonies per 100 milliliters. Seepage from two landfills may have caused the concentration of dissolved solids in the west Grand Calumet River lagoon to exceed that in the east lagoon. Ammonium concentrations in the west lagoon ranged from 13 to 16 milligrams per liter as nitrogen. Pesticides used in agricultural areas were the major source of DOT, ODD, DDE, and dieldrin on streambed materials. Runoff from residential areas was a major source of nitrate, organic materials, and chlordane in Derby ditch and Dunes Creek. Wetland drainage contributed significant amounts of organic materials to streams and at times increased concentrations of dissolved sulfate and iron. Dissolved-iron concentrations correlated with dissolved-organic-carbon concentrations in yellow-brown water of Kintzele and Derby ditches.

Indiana↗
USGS1987

Effects of coal strip mining on stream water quality and biology, southwestern Washington

Strip mining for coal in southwestern Washington may be affecting the water quality of streams. To investigate these possible effects, five streams were selected for study of water quality in each of the two coal bearing areas: the Centralia-Chehalis coal district, and Kelso-Castle Rock coal area. In the Centralia-Chehalis coal district, three of the streams have drainage basins in which mines are active. Water in streams that drain unmined basins is typical of western Washington streams and is characterized as a mixed water because calcium, magnesium, sodium, and bicarbonate ions predominate. A change in anionic composition from bicarbonate to sulfate in streams draining mined areas was not sufficient to change the general water composition and thus make the streams acidic. The largest downstream changes in water quality in both mined and unmined drainage basins were observed during summer low-flow conditions, when minimal dilution, increased water temperatures, and low dissolved oxygen concentrations occurred. High dissolved solids were found in the mined drainage basins during this period. High concentrations of iron, manganese, and zinc were present in the bottom sediments of the mined basins. Moderate concentrations of chromium, cobalt, copper, and zinc were also found in the bottom sediments of a few unmined basins. Streams with substrates of gravel-cobble or gravel-coarse sand had the most diverse benthic fauna and a higher number of ubiquitous taxa than streams with sand-silt substrates, which had the most dissimilar fauna. Mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies were rare at the site most affected by mining. The erosion potential of a basin appears to be related to the average basin slope and the amount of forested areas. Strip mining for coal in steep basins may lead to massive movements of unconsolidated spoils after vegetal cover is removed if the land disturbed is graded to pre-mining slopes. (Lantz-PTT)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗