Open-File Report 2008-1208
National Water-Quality Assessment Program
By Barbara C. Scudder, Lia C. Chasar, L. Rod DeWeese, Mark E. Brigham, Dennis A. Wentz, and William G. Brumbaugh
Mercury studies conducted as part of the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program have included nationwide reconnaissance samplings of hundreds of stream sites, as well as detailed, process-oriented research at selected sites. These reconnaissance and detailed studies are intended to provide a better understanding of methylmercury bioaccumulation in stream ecosystems over a range of environmental settings. This publication describes trace-element-clean techniques used for collection and processing of aquatic invertebrates and fish to be analyzed for total mercury, methylmercury, and stable isotopes as part of NAWQA studies.
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose and Scope
Overview of Sampling Approach
Pre-Field Activities
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Sample Collection and Processing
Field Data Forms and Sample Labels
Post-Field Processing Activities
References Cited
Appendix 1. Forms and Labels Used for Sample Collection and Processing of
Invertebrates and Fish.
Appendix 2. Equipment and Supplies used for U.S. Geological Survey Mercury Studies of Invertebrates and Fish.
Appendix 3. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Information System
(NWIS) Coding of Biological Tissue Samples for USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) Mercury Studies.
| Field data sheet for invertebrate tissue samples | PDF, 142 KB |
| Field data sheet for fish tissue samples | PDF, 141 KB |
| Invertebrates: mercury and stable isotopes sample label | PDF, 423 KB |
| Fish: mercury and stable isotopes sample label | PDF, 423 KB |
| Fish: otolith analysis for ageing label | PDF, 423 KB |
| Invertebrates: total mercury and methylmercury analysis submission form | PDF, 154 KB |
| Invertebrates: stable isotopes analysis submission form | PDF, 156 KB |
| Fish: total mercury and methylmercury analysis submission form | PDF, 154 KB |
| Fish: stable isotopes analysis submission form | PDF, 153 KB |
| Fish: age analysis submission form | PDF, 152 KB |
| Wisconsin Mercury Research Laboratory request for analysis form | PDF, 27 KB |
| Wisconsin Mercury Research Laboratory cooler inventory form | PDF, 15 KB |
| Fish: age analysis submission form | PDF, 152 KB |
| Equipment and supplies used for USGS mercury studies of invertebrates and fish | PDF, 41 KB |
This report is available online in Portable Document Format (PDF). If you do not have the Adobe Reader, it is available for free download from Adobe Systems Incorporated.
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Send questions or comments about this report to the author, B.C. Scudder, (608) 821-3832.
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://pubs.usgs.gov/ofr/2008/1208
Page Contact Information: Publications Team
Page Last Modified:Thursday, 02-Oct-2008 14:46:29 EDT
