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National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data
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DATE POSTED/ SECTION/PAGE | CHANGE FROM | CHANGE TO |
|---|---|---|
| 6/2007 | A comprehensive chapter is needed on the topics of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). | Revisions to Chapter 1 to address QA/QC are planned for FY 2008 |
| 4/2007 | Sections of Chapter 1 that relate to surface-water and ground-water sampling preparations should be incorporated into their respective sections in Chapter 4. | Done. See Chapter 4, version 2.0. |
| 7/2006 | URL for cited Water Resources Policy Memo No. 99.34 was http://water.usgs.gov/admin/ memo/WRD/wrdpolicy99.34.html. | Updated URL is http://water.usgs.gov/admin/ memo/policy/wrdpolicy99.34.html. |
| 5/2006 | Purpose, title, and contents for Chapter 1 are in need of updating. | Work in process for FY 2006-2007 includes change of chapter title to Quality Assurance and Quality Control for Water Sampling. The quality control section that currently resides in NFM 4 will move to Chapter 1, and the information currently in Chapter 1 that is relevant to surface-water and ground-water sample collection is being merged into Chapter 4. |
| 8/2005 | For changes incorporated from 1999 thorugh July 2005, go to the archive file. | Currently no changes are noted for version 2.0 dated 1/2005. |
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DATE POSTED/ SECTION/PAGE | CHANGE FROM | CHANGE TO |
|---|---|---|
| 3/30/2009, section 2.0.3, p. 19 and Table 2-15 | Pages indicate that VPBW or PBW are suitable for collecting blank samples to be analyzed for major ions and trace elements. However, VPBW and PBW are no longer used for inorganics. | Only IBW should be used for inorganics. |
| 8/2006 - section 2.4, p. 101 | Sunscreen and insect repellent are missing from table 2-17. |
Add to table 2-17: Sunscreen (wash hands thoroughly after application) Insect repellent - instead of a DEET-containing repellent, recommend either (a) oil of lemon eucalyptus, or (b) picaridin (a chemical). Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/Media/pressrel/r050428.htm |
| 8/2006 section 2.1.1.A, p. 24-30 | US DH-2 and US D-96 A-1 samplers are missing and should be added. |
Add US DH-2 and US D-96 A-1 samplers to table 2.2; add US DH-2 to fig. 2-1. Incorporate descriptions into text. A commercial version of the DH-2 bag sampler can be found at www.carnettechnology.com as "US DH-2A." The D-96 A-1 is an aluminum version of the US D-96. |
| 6/2006 | "Universal" blank water has been discontinued for use as inorganic blank water. | |
| 8/2005 | For changes incorporated from 1999 through July 2005, go to the archive file. |
Currently no changes are noted for version 2.0 dated 3/2003. |
| DATE POSTED/ SECTION/PAGE |
CHANGE FROM | CHANGE TO |
|---|---|---|
| 2/2008 p. 71 | Change second dash under the "Field blank" bullet. Rewrite this guidance to reflect current protocol. | "If the same equipment is used at several sites during a single field trip, the equipment must be properly cleaned and stored each time before leaving for the next site. Collect the field blank before collecting the environmental sample. If one field blank will be collected for such a field trip, generally it is collected at the last site unless study needs dictate otherwise." |
| 8/2006 Section 3.3.9 p. 54 | Instructions for cleaning the Teflon bag are missing. Instructions are provided courtesy of A. Amsberg and H. Johnson (USGS). |
Add to section 3.3.9, at the end of the first paragraph: "The Teflon bag used in bag samplers must be cleaned and field rinsed before use. The special cleaning procedures recommended are described under step 2 on p. 54. The field-rinse procedure is described in NFM 4.1." Change step 2, p. 54, to read: Soak components (except for the Teflon bag) in a detergent solution for 30 minutes. Wearing appropriate disposable, powderless gloves, scrub components with a soft brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly (section 3.2.1 or 3.2.2). Change gloves. To clean the Teflon bag: 1. Fill the bottom of the bag with warm 0.1% Liquinox solution (approx. 100-200 mL). 2. Pull the bag (gently) into a tube-like shape; loosely fold the top (opening) over and slosh the solution back and forth from the bottom to the top of the bag. 3. With the bag still pulled into a tube-like shape, hold it horizontally and rotate it around, making sure the Liquinox flows into all of the folds. 4. Rinse with hot tap water, in the same fashion as the soapy rinses; back and forth from top to bottom, then rotating while holding horizontally. 5. Repeat this procedure with 5% HCl. 6. Repeat the rinse technique three times, using fresh DIW. 7. Holding the bag open with one hand, squirt the inside of the bag with methanol (only necessary if samples will be analyzed for organic compounds). Ensure full contact of inside bag surfaces by repeating the sloshing and rolling techniques before decanting waste methanol into approriate containers. |
| 6/2006 | "Universal" blank water has been discontinued for use as inorganic blank water. | |
| 11/21/2005 Ver. 2.0, 4/2004, pg. 12. |
Add a new first arrow above the existing first arrow, with the following text: Clean all surfaces (for example, bench and counter tops) on which you will be working. If a disinfectant is used, thoroughly rinse and dry the surface afterwards and be sure to air out the area to remove any fumes from the dininfection agent. Do not expose a sample to the area if fumes remain that could contaminate the sample with an analyte of interest. | |
| 11/21/2005 Ver. 2.0, 4/2004, pg. 13. |
Insert after the first sentence or add as a footnote to the first sentence the following: Refer to NFM 7.1 for sterilization and disinfection requirements when sampling for microbial organisms. | |
| 11/21/2005 Ver. 2.0, 4/2004, pg. 14, Table 3-1. |
Add a row to the table after the "Detergent" row. |
LEFT COLUMN: Disinfectant RIGHT COLUMN: Hypochlorite wipes (commercially available), dilute bleach solution, or methyl or ethyl alcohol solution. ADD FOOTNOTE TO TABLE: Hypochlorite wipes: At 0.525-percent (1:10) dilution, these wipes are more concentrated than that of the bleach solution and could be more corrosive to equipment if not followed by the standard DIW rinse. |
| 11/21/2005 Ver 2.0, 4/2004, pg. 53. #1 under "Disinfecting an electric or steel tape:" |
1. Select a disinfectant: either a chlorine bleach solution (described below) or a methyl or ethyl alcohol solution. If using bleach, prepare a dilute 50 mg/L (0.005 percent) solution of common household chlorine bleach (1 mL of bleach to 900 mL water). .... | 1. Select a disinfectant: either a chlorine bleach solution (described below), commercially available hypochlorite (disinfectant) wipes, or a methyl or ethyl alcohol solution. o If using the hypochlorite wipes, be sure to check the expiration date printed on the packet; do not use wipes with expired dates. Note: as these wipes are more concentrated in hypochlorite (0.525 percent) than the bleach solution (0.005 percent), care should be taken to avoid equipment damage.2. At the well site, put on disposable gloves before disinfecting the equipment. Wipe down the section of the tape that was submerged in the well water, using the disinfectant of choice. o For the bleach or alcohol solution, wet a clean cloth.3. Rinse the tape thoroughly with DIW or tap water: prolonged exposure of the tape to chlorine bleach can damage the tape. Take care to keep the tape clean; prevent it from dragging on the ground. 4. Rewind the tape onto the reel and place it into a clean plastic bag for storage and transport. o Using a clean, dry cloth, dry the steel tape completely before rewinding, to prevent it from rusting.Footnote #9 (see second bullet from no. 1): Prepare a 0.02-percent (200 mg/L) solution if pH is less than 6 or greater than 8. |
| 8/2005 | For changes incorporated from 1999 thorugh July 2005, go to the archive file. |
Currently no changes are noted for version 2.0 dated 4/2004. |
| DATE POSTED/ SECTION/PAGE |
CHANGE FROM | CHANGE TO |
|---|---|---|
| 2/25/2008 App. A4-C, page APP.C2 | (1) Under the "General description" column, first bullet, delete option (a)
and reword. (2) Under the "Purpose" column, delete the second paragraph and replace with wording that reflects the purpose for the field blank. | (Keep the first paragraph.) Second paragraph should read: "Identify contamination of sampling equipment caused by inadequate equipment cleaning, equipment storage during transport from office to field site or between field sites, and ambient conditions at the field site." |
| 1/14/2008 Section 4.3.3 p. 148-149 | Change wording on p. 148, 2nd para., and p. 149, Step 1, to remove ambiguity about when samples should be spiked and chilled. |
p. 148. Add the following sentence: To address bias from degradation, samples should be spiked in the
field as soon as possible after collection. p. 149. The text for Step 1 (before the bulleted list) was replaced with: Samples should be processed, spiked, and chilled immediately after collection. If spiking is delayed, keep sample chilled until and after it is spiked. Check that the sample bottles are labeled appropriately: |
| 6/1/2007 | Chapter 4, dated 9/99, needs to be updated. | Chapter 4 has been revised and updated extensively. See version 2.0 dated 9/2006. |
| 6/2006 | "Universal" blank water has been discontinued for use as inorganic blank water. | |
| 5/2006 | Surface-water and ground-water sampling protocols need updating. | Revisions are being completed in FY 2006 and will be published in FY 2007 or before. Updates include changes to surface-water sampler tables (in the appendix), in addition to other information. Important changes are being made to the ground-water guidance for purging and sampling, including guidance when working at low-yield wells. The quality-control section (NFM 4.3) is being moved from Chap. 4 to Chap. 1. |
| 11/08/04 -- p. CF-5, App. A4-B, and App.A4-C table 1 |
Update chapter to reflect the closure of the Ocala Water Quality and Research Laboratory | Delete reference to the Ocala laboratory. Supplies are available from the USGS "One-Stop Shopping." |
| 5/2/03 -- NFM 4.2.1, Step 3, page 78 | Additional guidance is needed to properly rinse out the sample line during the purge and before samples are collected. | Insert as first sentence for Step 3b: "Discharge initial well
water through the waste line that goes to the flowthrough chamber." Insert as first sentence for Step 3c: "When the water runs clear, switch the flow to the sample line (line that goes to the collection chamber) and allow at least two tubing volumes to pass through so as to rinse and condition the sample line with well water. Then. . . " (continue into next sentence, changing the B in Begin to lower case). |
| 5/2/03 -- NFM 4.2.2, Step 3d, page 86 | Additional guidance is needed to properly rinse out the sample line during the purge and before samples are collected. | Add a fourth bullet: "While purging the first two well volumes, and before starting field measurements, once the well water is running clear, switch the flow from the "waste" line to the sample line, to ensure that the sample line is thoroughly rinsed of methanol and other equipment-cleaning agents." |
| 11/29/02--REF-2 | Add reference for Izbicki, John, Christensen, Allen, and Hanson, Randy, 1999,
U.S. Geological Survey combined well-bore flow and depth-dependent water sampler,
U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 196-99, 2 p., at http://ca.water.usgs.gov/archive/
reports/fs19699.pdf Add reference for Miller, James, ed., 2002, Ground water atlas of the United States, http://capp.water.usgs.gov/gwa/index.html | |
| 4/4/01 -- p. 69 of NFM A4 | Third bullet, second to last sentence: "... (2) field measurements must be monitored before collecting samples." | "...(2) field-measurement values should be determined before collecting samples, if possible." |
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DATE POSTED/ SECTION/PAGE | CHANGE FROM | CHANGE TO |
|---|---|---|
| March 2008, NFM 5.0.3/p.20; NFM 5.2.1/p.40,44,46, 50 | Sample-collection sequence shown. | The order of sample collection for filtered inorganic constituents now shown as: (1) Trace elements and major cations; (2) Separate-treatment constituents (if needed; e.g., mercury); (3) Nutrients; (4) Major anions and alkalinity; (5) Radiochemicals and stable isotopes. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) may be collected through a sufficiently rinsed capsule filter after the project-designated filtered inorganic-constituent samples have been collected. |
| March 2008, NFM 5.3.2 | Delete this section, as the CarboPak-B method no longer is in use by the NWQL. | This section, titled "Solid-Phase Extraction by Carbopak-B Column" has been deleted. |
| March 2008, NFM 5.6.3.J and NFM 5.6.3.K | Combine these sections into one and replace the guidance with a link to the USGS CFC laboratory. | The methods are updated and maintained by the CFC laboratory, which is the source for the field instructions and guidance for analytes used for age-dating, including chlorofluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, dissolved gas, and tritium/helium-3. Therefore, the NFM guidance has been replaced with a link to the CFC laboratory Web pages. |
| 11/25/2008, p. 74b in version 2 of chap. 5 dated 4/02 |
Question: Page 74b refers to regulating the DOC filtration pressure to less than 15 psi. A pressure gage is listed as optional in the equipment table. Should a pressure gage be used if employing a peristaltic pump for pressure filtration? | Response: In the National Training Center training courses we check the pressure exerted on the filter with a pressure gage; a quick check with a Cole Parmer WU-68612-04 may work (they cost about $12). If a battery-operated pump is being used in the field, make sure the battery has a full charge, as rpm's will degrade as the battery weakens. Check each pump at maximum rpm if you are using a variable speed pump. The peristaltic pumps currently in use for DOC filtration are not strong enough to overpressurize the filter. |
| 10/24/2008, p. 40 in version 2 of chap. 5 dated 4/02 | Updates to text are needed to modify capsule-filter procedures and include disc-filter procedures. |
The heading for 5.2.1.A should read "Capsule-Filter and Disc-Filter Procedures" Then revise the beginning and ending of the first paragraph to read: The capsule or disc filter is a disposable, self-contained unit composed of a [delete "pleated"] filter medium encased in a plastic housing....... The capsule filter, having an effective filtration area of at least 600 cm2, is required when filtering large-volume or sediment-laden samples for trace-element analysis and is recommended when filtering samples for major-ion or other inorganic-constituent (including nutrients and carbon) analyses. The disc filter has an effective filtration of only about 20 cm2 and should be used only when the amount of suspended material in the sample is low (not or barely visible) and for a sample volume of less than 100 mL. In the second bullet (an arrow), change "Preclean capsule filters..." to "Preclean capsule/disc filters..." |
| 10/24/2008, p. 41 in version 2 of chap. 5 dated 4/02 | To prepare the work space, sample bottles, and capsule filter: | To prepare the work space, sample bottles, and capsule/disc filter: |
| 10/24/2008, p. 42 in version 2 of chap. 5 dated 4/02 | Text is being revised to include disc filters rather than discussing
capsule filters exclusively. The following sentence is deleted from the first paragraph: More rigorous precleaning procedures that include rinsing with trace-metal-grade hydrochloric acid are required for samples containing ppb concentrations of target analytes (table 5-3). |
5. Clean the capsule/disc filter. If the filter was precleaned, go to the sections that follow on
"To filter a composite sample" or "To filter a pumped sample," as appropriate. The steps below comprise
sufficient precleaning of the filter for inorganic analytes at the parts-per-billion (ppb) concentration level.
Only CH touches those portions of tubing that will be in direct contact with the DIW or filter. a. CH: In the processing chamber, remove filter from protective bags. - Attach pump tubing to inlet connector of filter, keeping tubing as short as possible. Make sure direction of flow through filter matches the direction-of-flow arrow on the side of the capsule, if applicable. - To help minimize aeration of the sample (usually for ground-water samples), secure a short length of clean fluorocarbon polymer tubing onto filter outlet to extend into the sample bottle so the bottle can be filled from the bottom up. b. CH/DH: Pump 1 L of DIW through capsule filter or 100 mL through disc filter; discharge waste rinse water through a sink funnel or to a toss bottle. (Revise the second bullet under b.) - CH inverts the filter so the arrow on the housing is pointing up to help expel trapped air from the filter during initial filling. Do not allow water to spray onto the chamber walls. c. Delete "capsule" in the fourth line. d. Delete "capsule" in the first line. |
| 10/24/2008, p. 43 in version 2 of chap. 5 dated 4/02 | Delete text "capsule filter or other" in lines 1 and 2. |
Lines 1 and 2 read: ...a well using a bailer, consider using a bailer to which the filtration device can be
connected.... In #2. on this page, delete every use of the word "capsule." |
| 10/24/2008, p. 44 in version 2 of chap. 5 dated 4/02 | Revisions continue. |
Lines 1 and 2 read: ...DH: Stop the peristaltic pump as soon as the filter is full of sample and
air in the filter has been expelled. 1. Collect sample filtrate. a. CH: Check that there is a tight connectoin between the pump tubing and the filter. DH: (Keep as is.) CH: Collect a maximum of 25 mL (capsule filter) or 10 mL (disc filter) of the water to be sampled as it discharges through the filter. Do not exceed the 25 mL or 10 mL requirement. (The remaining text under "a." remains the same.) b. DH: Start pump and resume flow from pump to the filter. CH: Capsule filter--Filter only the next 200 mL of the sample.... Disc filter--filter the next 100 mL of sample; change to a clean disc filter or switch to the capsule filter if a visible amount of suspended material is accumulating on the filter. (Then continue on to "e.") e. CH: Field rinse....Use no more than a total of 100 mL of filtrate per capsule filter or 25 mL of filtrate per disc filter to field rinse any remaining bottles for filtered sample. |
| 10/24/2008, p. 45 in version 2 of chap. 5 dated 4/02 | "Capsule" is mentioned numerous times. | Delete the work "capsule" where used on this page. |
| 10/24/2008, p. 68 in version 2 of chap. 5 dated 4/02 | Black Box at top of page says "ALERT! Do not field rinse the baked DOC or pesticide bottles." |
Revise text to read "ALERT! Do not field rinse the baked TOC/DOC or pesticide bottles." Also, in 3.b. on this page, add the following sentency at the end of 3.b.: (Replace the air filter at least annually.) |
| 10/24/2008, p. 74a in version 2 of chap. 5 dated 4/02 | Addition to text needed. |
In 2.a. on this page, add the following sentence at the end of 2.a.: (Replace air filter at least annually.) |
| 8/15/2008 5.2.2.C (p. 61, 72-73); Table 5-6c (p. 65); 5.6.1.D (p. 107) | Instructions that permit samples for DOC analysis to be filtered through a high-capacity Whatman capsule filter are to be discontinued immediately and replaced with the option to filter through a Pall Aquaprep disc filter, in accordance with Office of Water Quality Information Note 2008.13, issued 8/6/2008. Use of the Whatman capsule filter, starting with lot number T873, has been discontinued for samples for DOC analysis because of systematic contamination problems. | Instructions for use of the capsule filter (One Stop item Q398FLD) for processing the DOC sample have been removed and replaced with the option to use either the NWQL quality-controlled small-capacity disc filter (One Stop item Q460FLD) or the 25-mm glass fiber filter (Q441FLD) with the Teflon DOC-25 filter unit or filter funnel and flask. |
| 6/03/2008 Section 5.6.3.I |
QUESTION: When you collect radon samples, do you use a new needle in the syringe for each sample or can it be reused? The NFM currently advises to field-rinse the syringe with native water at least one time before sampling. Does this suggest that the needle and syringe are reusable? A clarification is needed. |
When collecting radon samples, use of disposable needles with disposable syringes is recommended. Use of a glass syringe and reusable, non-boring needle is acceptable, but this equipment must be cleaned appropriately after each use. A field rinse immediately before collecting the sample is required when using either the disposable or the reusable equipment (refer to NFM section 5.6.3.I). |
| 1/16/2008 5.6.1.E Methylene Blue Active Substances (MBAS) and Oil and Grease | Revise this section with respect to collecting a sample for analysis of oil and grease; add total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs). |
Change section title to: 5.6.1.E. Methylene Blue Active Substances, Oil and Grease, and Total Petroleum
Hydrocarbons EXPLANATION: USGS personnel are advised that analyses for oil and grease and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) are being contracted to an outside laboratory as of Jan. 15, 2008. This change includes obtaining pre-preserved sample containers from the contract laboratory, and requires that the USGS manager of the DODESP Program be contacted before samples are sent to the contract lab. Do not send these samples to NWQL. For additional information, USGS personnel should access NWQL Rapi-Note 08-001. |
| 9/17/2007 5.6.4.A, Arsenic Speciation | Section author listed as J.R. Garbarino | Author list revised to: J.R. Garbarino, M.E. Lewis, and A.J. Bednar |
| 6/28/2007 p. 118, Section 5.6.3.I and APP-C-3 | Change "RUR-SV" to "RURCV" | The sample-designation code for Radon-222 has been changed to RURCV. |
| 6/28/2007 p. 116, Section 5.6.3.E | Change "radon" to "radium" | The following correction has been made: Label . . . and add the appropriate laboratory code ("LC 794" for radium-226 and "LC 1364" for radium-228). |
| 10/2006 | The silver-filter method for processing DOC samples no longer is used by USGS water-quality field personnel. This method will be removed in the forthcoming revision of NFM 5. | |
| 6/2006 | "Universal" blank water has been discontinued for use as inorganic blank water. | |
| 5/16/05 | Chapter needs to be updated and compiled to include new sections. | Update is in process. Expected completion date of 10/30/05 has been extended into FY 2007. |
| 1/2005 -- 5.6.4.A | Update references to McCleskey and others (in press) | McCleskey and others was published in Applied Science in 2004. |
| 9/30/04 -- 5.4.2, Chemical Treatment, p. 93, step 5.c. | Correct the preservation order and update text to reflect current chemical treatments | Correct preservation order and preservatives as follows: 1. Nutrients (4.5 N H2SO4) 2. Organic carbon (4.5 N H2SO4) 3. Trace elements (HNO3) 4. Major ions (HNO3) 5. Mercury (6 N HCL) 6. Others that require acidifying (HCL first) 7. Samples requiring other preservatives (zinc acetate, sodium hydroxide, etc.) |
| 2/23/04 -- 5.2.2, "Filtration" | Starting 2/23/2004, a low-capacity (19.6 cm2) disposable filter-- the "Aquaprep"TM--will be available for USGS use through the One-Stop Shopping program ('Q460FLD--Filter, AquaprepTM, 0.45 micrometer'). This filtration device only is acceptable for filtration of small-volume water samples at sites at which the amount of suspended material is sufficiently low so that the filter will not clog during the sample-filtering process. These special conditions for use must be adhered to strictly. To prepare the 19.6 cm2-AquaprepTM for field use, follow the same procedures as for the 600-cm2 disposable AquaprepTM capsule filter, but use 100 mL (instead of 1,000 mL) of quality-controlled DIW to rinse the interior of the unit. | |
| 1/5/04 -- 5.6.1.E, Oil and Grease | COMMENT -- The procedure for adding acid to adjust sample pH to 2 or less should provide guidance as to how to determine the volume of acid needed for a given sample. | ACTION -- The next version of section 5.6.1.E will be revised by adding the
following technical note under Step 3: TECHNICAL NOTE: To establish the volume of H2SO4 required, collect a separate aliquot of sample and adjust the pH of this aliquot by adding the acid until pH indicator paper verifies that the pH has been lowered to or less than 2. This aliquot is for testing purposes only and is not to be used for oil and grease analysis. Add the volume of acid determined to the sample to be analyzed. Do not dip pH paper, a pH electrode, a stirring rod, or other materials into a sample that will be used for Hexane Extractable Materials or Silica Gel Treated - Hexane Extractable Materials determination. |
| 1/2/04 -- 5.0.1, 5.0.3, 5.6.2 | COMMENT: IBW should be used instead of DIW for rinsing bottles used for mercury and other trace-element samples if the DIW is not of known quality and could contaminate the sample. | NFM 5.0.1 -- RESPONSE: (page 16, 2nd arrow, 2nd dash), add
"inorganic-grade blank water (IBW) or" before the words "deionized water (DIW)" and after
"(DIW)" add "of appropriate quality." Same section, page 18: second dash, add "IBW or" before each occurrence of "DIW." NFM 5.0.3 -- RESPONSE: (page 21), first sentence, before the word "DIW" add "IBW or"; Table 5-2, add "IBW, inorganic-grade blank water" to headnote. Changes to both bullets -- add "IBW or" before "DIW" in all places and delete footnote 1. NFM 5.6.2 -- RESPONSE: (page 107), after first sentence add: "Use IBW instead of DIW for the pre-field bottle rinse/fill if the composition of the DIW could contain target analytes at detectable concentrations for the analysis to be performed on the environmental samples. (DIW could have measureable concentrations of trace elements, for example, if the ion-exchange column is nearing its exchange capacity or is defective; DIW should be analyzed periodically to determine that the system is operating as intended). Alternatively, if the pre-field bottle rinse/fill procedure is not being used, the sample bottle should be rinsed in the field twice with IBW, followed by a field rinse with sample (wholewater for wholewater samples, filtrate for filtered samples) before filling the bottle (NFM 5.0.3). The DIW/IBW rinse of bottles for samples being collected for wholewater analysis can be substituted by field rinsing with sample a minimum of three times before filling the bottle." |
| 5/21/03 -- 5.6.3.K, Chlorofluorocarbons, p. 122-125. | A new method for collecting CFC age dating samples has been developed that eliminates the need for flame sealing of the samples for most sampling applications. Add the description of the new method to all appropriate references in Chapter 5, including section 5.6.3.K. (Chapter 5 is in the process of being revised and new instructions will be incorporated.) | A new method for collecting CFC age dating samples has been developed that eliminates the need for flame sealing of the samples for most sampling applications. The new method is similar to the method for collecting dissolved gas samples. Bottles with special caps are filled and capped under water. Check for information at the webpage water.usgs.gov/lab/cfc/ under "New Sampling Method for CFCs." The new method simplifies sample collection greatly. If long-term archival of samples is desired, the original flame sealing technique can still be applied. |
| 11/29/02 -- REF-1 | Add reference to Izbicki, John, Christensen, Allen, and Hanson, Randy, 1999, U.S. Geological Survey combined well-bore flow and depth-dependent water sampler, U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 196-99, 2 p., at ca.water.usgs.gov/archive/reports/fs19699.pdf | |
| 3/17/01 -- CFC sampling, p. 123-128 of NFM A5 | COMMENT: CFC sampling -- SF6 sampling methods and information can be found at http://water.usgs.gov/lab/ cfc/sampling/sf6.html. This information should be used in conjunction with the instructions for CFC sampling on p. 123-128 of NFM A5, for samples to be analyzed by the USGS CFC Laboratory. | Section is being updated. |
| 3/17/01 -- Dissolved gases sampling (in ground water). | Comment: Sampling procedures for collection of methane and other dissolved
gases in ground water can be found at http://water.usgs.gov/lab/dissolved-gas/ and
in "Baedecker, M.J., and Cozzarelli, I.M., 1992, The determination and fate of unstable constituents
of contaminated groundwater, in Lesage, Suzanne, and Jackson, R.E., eds., 1992,
Groundwater contamination and analysis at hazardous waste sites: New York, Marcel Dekkar,
Inc., p. 425-461." The method to be selected depends on study
objectives, site conditions, and the analyzing laboratory. | Suggestion: Collection and processing methods for commonly sampled gases should be added to NFM Chapter A5 |
| 11/8/00 -- Appendix A5-A, p. APP-A-2, column 1, Append to table a listing for "Ultraviolet-absorbing substances" | Comment: An entry for ultraviolet absorbing substances should be added to the table in the future. |
In progress. Bottle type and other instructions are in development. Contact Ron Brenton/NWQL (rbrenton@usgs.gov, 303-236-3210) for update. |
| 10/27/00 -- 5.3 Solid-Phase Extraction by C-18 Column - pages 77-82 | A COMMENT has been made to update the C-18 SPE method, method 2011, and change the reference to Sandstrom and others (2000). Add to Fig. 5-2 a line for "Extraction Date". Add a line to Fig. 5-3 about the addition of NaCl to the sample in the sample field form for 2051. | NO CHANGE AT THIS TIME. ANALYSIS: Users are alerted to this information and that these changes will be made in a future version but, at this time, have been assigned a noncritical status. |
| 10/19/00 -- Appendix A5-A, page APP-A-1 | In fourth row, last column, change "Filtered sample (0.7-um GF/F), untreated. Chill/maintain at 4 degrees C." | Replace with "Raw, untreated sample. Chill/maintain at 4 degrees C." |
| DATE POSTED/ SECTION/PAGE |
CHANGE FROM | CHANGE TO |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 5, 2008 Section 6.2 |
Comment received: The NFM recommends use of spectrophotometric methods for accurate measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO) below 2.0 mg/L. However, there are no reporting guidelines for low DO values measured using amperometric or luminescent methods. It has been recommended that such values be reported as estimated. Consistency in guidance for both measurement and reporting is needed. | (Response in preparation.) |
| July 9, 2008 Section 6.8 p. 28, 29, 33 |
StableCal is listed as a registered product. | More commonly, Hach "StablCal" is the product name used. References to "StableCal" have been changed to "StablCal." |
| Feb. 15, 2008 Section 6.8 p. 7 and p. 8 |
In the headnote for Table 6.8-2 (p. 7) and in the Description column for "Turbidity
standard" (p. 8) the "greater than or equal to" symbol is used. |
Change the symbol to a "less than or equal to" symbol. The version number for this section changes from version 1.0 to version 1.1. |
| Dec. 20, 2007 Section 6.6.4 p. 13 and p. 26 |
Notes have been added to the pages that the inflection-point titration (IPT) method also is known as the "incremental titration method." | |
| Dec. 10, 2007 Section 6.1 p. 7 and p. 21 |
Change "Wagner and others (in press)" | Wagner and others (2006) |
| Dec. 6, 2007 Section 6.6.7, p. 48 |
If calculating ANC, alkalinity, bicarbonate, or carbonate in milligram units, then report: - Less than (<) 1,000 mg/L and greater than (>) 10 mg/L to whole numbers. - 1,000 mg/L and above, up to three significant figures. |
Change made to online report on Dec. 6, 2007: For measurements made using section 6.6.4 procedures, when calculating ANC, alkalinity, bicarbonate, or carbonate in milligram units, report: - Less than (<) 1,000 mg/L and equal to (=) or greater than (>) 100 mg/L to whole numbers; however, to the tenths place if less than 100 mg/L. - 1,000 mg/L and above to three significant figures. |
| Nov. 16, 2007 Section 6.6.5.A, p. 44 |
1.0.1 | Change made to online report on Dec. 3, 2007: At the bottom of page 44, change "1.0.1" to "1.01" |
| Nov. 16, 2007 Section 6.6.7 |
The rounding of values between 10 and 100 mg/L do not coincide with the default codes in NWIS for rounding. | This issue is being examined. A notice of how this will be resolved will be announced here and the National Field Manual will be updated appropriately. (SEE UPDATE ABOVE FOR DEC 3, 2007) |
| July 20, 2007 -- Section 6.0, Table 6.0-1 |
Change the text and the value in the row for dissolved oxygen. | Under "Dissolved oxygen:" change "Amperometric method" to "Amperometric/luminescent method".
Either the amperometric method or the luminescent-sensor method can be used. In the second column for dissolved oxygen, change +/- 0.3 mg/L to +/- 0.2 mg/L |
| June 2007 | A new section is needed that provides guidelines when using multiparameter instruments. | A new section 6.8 on multiparameter instruments is being prepared. The target date for release is Sept. 2007. |
| April 23, 2007 -- Section 6.6, Alkalinity and Acid Neutralizing Capacity | There is an apparent contradiction or mismatch of information between the National Field Manual and NWIS for reporting of carbonate data as parameter code 63788. The National Field Manual infers that carbonate values can be reported down to 0.1 mg/L. The Parameter Code rounding array for the carbonate parameter 63788 infers that the carbonate value should be reported as a whole number, or down to 1 mg/L. | The discrepancy will be corrected with the release of NWIS 4.7, scheduled for September 2007. |
| March 28, 2007 -- Section 6.5, Reduction-Oxidation Potential (Electrode Method), p. 22 | A citation is incorrect in the References: Sato, Michiaki, 1960, Dissolved oxygen in aqueous systems: Economic Geology, v. 55, p. 928-949. | The correct citation is: Sato, Motoaki, 1960, Oxidation of sulfide ore bodies, 1. Geochemical environments in terms of Eh and pH: Economic Geology, v. 55, p. 928-961. |
| August 22, 2006 -- Section 6.6, Alkalinity and Acid Neutralizing Capacity | 2nd Edition, 9/2001 | Version 3.0, 7/2006, contains minor updates. The term "edition" was changed to "version" to be consist with the tracking convention for other sections. |
| August 14, 2006 -- NFM 6.5.1.B, page 6 and NFM 6.5.2, page 8 |
Add information about disposal of ZoBell's solution. | Page 6, add new paragraph after step 3: To dispose of ZoBell's solution after use: o Do not dispose of through the sewer system. Use a qualified hazardous waste hauler and Treatment, Storage, or Disposal Facility (TSDF) (see http://www.epa.gov/radiation/mixed-waste/mw_pg11a.htm) o Note that the cyanide compounds in this waste stream are at a concentration of one percent and can be classified as a RCRA D003 (reactive) or non-hazardous waste stream. It is up to the generator of the waste to make this determination. o Whether you dispose of this as RCRA haz or non haz, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) shipping name is cyanide solutions, n.o.s. 6.1 (Toxics). Also on p. 6, change the Black Box to: "CAUTION -- ZoBell's solution is toxic - handle with care and dispose of ZoBell's-solution waste according to governmental regulations." Page 8, third arrow, add a third dash: "- ZoBell's is considered a hazardous waste; after use, contain the waste properly for subsequent appropriate and legal disposal. If in doubt, consult your safety officer." |
| June 20, 2006 -- NFM 6.5, Section 6.5.5 | Report the calculated Eh in mV to two significant figures. Potentials are reported to the nearest 10 mV, along with the temperature at which the measurement was made, the electrode system employed, and the pH at the time of measurement. | Report Eh in millivolts (mV), calculated relative to the standard hydrogen electrode. Do not report raw data. Replicate measurements should stabilize within plus or minus 10 mV. Report the median of at least three replicate measurements to the nearest mV. If continual drifting without stabilization occurs after extending the measurement period, record this difficulty on the field form along with the length of time during which Eh values were monitored. |
| June 16, 2006 -- Section 6.2 | Update description of the equipment for the spectrophotometric method. | Version 2.1, 6/2006; table 6.2-4. the VacuVial catalog number was changed to K-7553 and information was added about the photometer. |
| June 7, 2006 -- Section 6.2 | Version 2.0, May 2006 | Version 2.1, June 2006. Updates were made to the example information listed for CHEMetrics, Inc. |
| June 6, 2006 -- Section 6.0, p. 27 | In the footnote for fig. 6.0-3, the URL was http://water.usgs.gov/owq/turbidity/ turbidity.pcodes_mcodes.update.xls | The updated URL is: http://water.usgs.gov/owq/turbidity_codes.xls |
| May 23, 2006 Section 6.2, Dissolved Oxygen |
The original version, dated April 1998, is due for an update to reflect new technology and method changes. | Version 2.0, 5/2006: A new method has been added for DO measurement by luminescent sensor technology. Updates have been made for the amperometric and spectrophotometric methods. At DO concentrations of less that 2 mg/L (instead of 1 mg/L), the spectrophotometric method is recommended. The iodometric (Winkler) method has been moved to the main body of the report. |
| May 23, 2006 | A section on the use of multiparameter instruments is needed. | A new section is being prepared on the use of multiparameter instruments to collect field measurements. Publication is scheduled for FY 2007. |
| May 3, 2006 -- Reference update for Chapter 6 | In "Selected References" for NFM 6 sections, the following reference is being replaced: Wagner, R.J., Mattraw, H.C., Ritz, G.F., and Smith, B.A., 2000, Guidelines and standard procedures for continuous water-quality monitors--Site selection, field operation, calibration, record computation, and reporting: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 00-4252, 53 p. | The updated report is: Wagner, R.J., Boulger, R.W., Jr., Oblinger, C.J., and Smith, B.A., 2006, Guidelines and standard procedures for continuous water-quality monitors--Station operation, record computation, and data reporting: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 1-D3, 51 p. + 8 attachments, online only at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/tm1d3 |
| April 5, 2006 -- 6.1, Temperature | Version 1.2, April 2004 | Version 2, March 2006. The Calibration section received major updates. Other sections received minor modifications. |
| March 1, 2006 -- pH, Section 6.4 | Version 1.2, 7/2003 | Version 1.3, 1/2006. The new version includes minor updates and reformatting of subsections. |
| 9/30/05 -- Section 6.7 | Revise the Excel spreadsheet of turbidity parameter and method codes. | Changes are ongoing and can be accessed from water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual/Chapter6/ 6.7_contents.html. |
| 9/30/05 -- Change from 5/16/05 entry (below) | Update 6.0, 6.6, 6.7, as needed. | Updated versions of sections 6.0 and 6.3 have been posted. |
| 5/16/05 -- Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5 |
Updates are being made to listed sections, and references will be included with each section rather than being grouped in the back of the chapter. |
6.1 Temperature (updates needed) 6.2 Dissolved Oxygen (rewrite in completion) (8/2005) 6.3 Specific Electrical Conductance (updates needed) 6.4 pH (updates needed) 6.5 Redox (updates needed) |
| 2/2/05 -- Section 6.7 - "Tubidity" (version 2.0, 8/2004) |
Selected references (see "Change To" column) to NTU should be updated to include NTRU. | p. 36, section 1b, 3rd line: Insert "or NTRU" after "in NTU" p. 38, section 1, first bullet, 2nd line down: Insert "or NTRU" after "and NTU" p. 41, section 6e, first bullet: Insert "or NTRU" after "use NTU". |
| 1/31/05 -- Section 6.7 - "Turbidity." On Web page water.usgs.gov/owq/ FieldManual/Chapter6/ 6.7_contents.html, go to the link for "Turbidity parameter codes and methods codes" (Excel spreadsheet) |
For the Orion AQ4500 turbidity meter (Thermo Electron Corporation), the correct reporting unit and NWIS pcode for white-light source are NTRU (63676). Delete NTU 63675 codes. Also, add the AU 63678 and FAU 63683 codes. | The changes for the Orion AQ4500 listed below will be entered with the next update of the Excel spreadsheet as follows: Instrument: Orion AQ4500 Method NWIS Pcode Rep. Unit Description/ Source 63676 NTRU EPA 180 63680 FNU ISO-NEPH 63683 FAU ISO-ABSB and IR%T 63681 FNRU IR RATIO 63678 AU WHITE %T |
| 8/11/04 -- Section 6.7, "Turbidity" | Add a section or explanation on how to use calibration constants to troubleshoot and quality assure turbidity calibrations. | This suggestion is likely to be incorporated into the next update of section 6.7. An example of use of calibration constants for quality assurance of the turbidity determination follows: The submersible probes manufactured by YSI (models 6026 and 6136) have a desired operating range for their constants (see the YSI 6-series manual); these can be quite valuable in determining the validity of a calibration. For example, a discrepancy was found in some calibrations when going from an old bottle of Formazin to a new one (from the same manufacturer). Technical support at YSI suggested checking the constants, and the resulting data showed significant improvement in the constant when a new bottle of standard was used. Also, data showing deterioration of the constant after instrument calibration indicates that there may be a problem with the instrument sensor or with the particular bottle of standard used. Constants also can be used to determine how carefully field personnel mix standards. For the YSI units, the constants can be easily retrieved using a display unit or they can be downloaded as a printable historic record/file using their Ecowatch software (usually provided free with the purchase of a sonde unit). Assuming that one keeps good notes and careful track of their standards, monitoring the constants could potentially save time and money when trying to clear up confusion or subtle problems that might arise with successive calibrations. |
| 8/28/03-- Section 6.4.1 | Second paragraph begins: "Measurement of pH can be either electrometric or colorimetric." | Delete this sentence. |
| DATE POSTED/ SECTION/PAGE | CHANGE FROM | CHANGE TO |
|---|---|---|
| Feb.5, 2008 Cover, Contents, and Introduction |
Updates needed. | The front pages of Chapter 7 have been updated to include a new section in the Contents: 7.5, "Cyanobacteria in Lakes and Reservoirs: Toxin and Taste-and-Odor Sampling Guidelines." Additional minor revisions updated the pages. |
|
11/2/2007 Section 7.4, ver. 1.0 (8/2007) p. 39 | INQUIRY - Please explain the following: "If the water body being sampled is too shallow to collect at half of the Secchi depth, then collect the sample at half the depth of the water column." Can you measure the Secchi depth when it is greater than the depth of the water column? Maybe if Secchi depth is determined at a different, deeper location?" | RESPONSE - Yes, one can measure Secchi depth when it is greater than depth of the water column; however, when reporting the data, use a "greater than" (>) remark code (it is better than no measurement at all). |
|
11/2/2007 Section 7.4, ver. 1.0 (8/2007) p. 39 | INQUIRY - Page 39 states that the depth of the euphotic zone "commonly is approximated by measuring the Secchi depth and collecting the sample at half of the Secchi depth." Shouldn't one DOUBLE the Secchi depth to approximate the euphotic zone? The Secchi depth approximates the penetration of 5 percent of the incident surface light. Since the euphotic zone is defined as the depth to which 1 percent of the surface light penetrates, the euphotic zone would have to be greater than the Secchi depth, not less. | RESPONSE - The authors explain that no change to the text is needed. The purpose for collecting at half the Secchi depth is to sample at the approximate middle of the euphotic zone. The text on p. 39 could be modified as follows to clarify the intended meaning: 1. Determine the euphotic zone using Secchi depth and (or) a light meter and the location to be sampled. (Note: The calculated euphotic depth is comparable to a Secchi-disk depth in lakes.) 2. Collect samples within the euphotic zone. This depth commonly is approximated by measuring the Secchi depth. (The text in italics repeats step 1.) Samples are commonly collected at half of the Secchi depth, which is the approximate middle of the euphotic zone. -- If the water body being sampled is too shallow to collect at half of the Secchi depth, then collect the sample at half the depth of the water column. -- These methods may vary depending on study objectives. |
|
Oct. 23, 2007 Section 7.4, ver. 1.0 (8/2007) p. 11 and 65 | USEPA Method 445 for chlorophyll (CHL) analysis stipulates a holding time of 24.5 days from the time of sample collection for frozen samples. The holding time stipulated in NFM 7.4 is 24 days. Note that the protocol of the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) is that the data for CHL samples that are analyzed after 25 days will be qualified appropriately. | The NWQL protocol for CHL samples that are analyzed after 25 days from sampling has been added. |
|
October 2007 Section 7.1, ver. 2.0 (2/2007) p. 40 and 73 | The references to Office of Water Quality (OWQ) Technical Memorandum 2005.02 need updating. | OWQ Tech Memo 2007.06 supersedes OWQ Tech Memo 2005.02. Change 2005.02 to 2007.06 twice on page 40 (and the year 2005 to 2007) and revise the reference on p. 73 from OWQ Tech Memo 2005.02 to OWQ Tech Memo 2007.06. |
| June 2007 | Need to add information on chylorphyll sampling. | A new section on sampling for algal biomass indicators has been approved. Publication is scheduled for FY 2007. |
| June 2007 | Updates are needed to relevant sections of Chapter 7 to reflect information in Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 2005.02 (available from water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/). | Updates to Section 7.1, Fecal Indicator Bacteria, have been approved. The section is being prepared for online publication. |
|
8/26/2005 Section 7.1.5, first sentence. | 1. mENDO medium for total coliform analysis. a. Empty the vial containing 4.8 g of dehydrated mENDO medium into a 250-mL flask and add 100 mL of a 2 percent ethanol solution. | 1. mENDO medium for total coliform analysis. a. Empty the vial containing 5.1 g of dehydrated mENDO medium into a 250-mL flask. Add 100 mL of an ethanol solution. To prepare the ethanol solution, combine 2 mL of 95% undenatured ethanol with 98 mL of deionized/distilled water and mix well. |
| 8/2005 | For changes incorporated from 1999 thorugh July 2005, go to the archive file. | Currently no changes are noted for the third edition of chapter 7. |
| DATE POSTED/ SECTION/PAGE | CHANGE FROM | CHANGE TO |
|---|---|---|
| 8/2005 | For changes incorporated from 1999 thorugh July 2005, go to the archive file. | Currently no changes are noted for version 1.1 dated 6/2005. |
Comment: For a comprehensive safety policy on streamgaging, see USGS Water Resources Division (WRD) Memorandum 99.32, SAFETY--WRD Policy for Safety Associated with Discharge Measurements, Sampling, and Related Streamgaging Activities. The memo is available at: http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/. Click on "WRD Policy and Safety", scroll down the page and click on "wrdpolicy99.32.html". This memo not only provides policy, but it also is meant to improve safety awareness. Emphasizing safety in the workplace does reduce the chance of serious injury and benefits everyone.
| DATE POSTED/ SECTION/PAGE | CHANGE FROM | CHANGE TO |
|---|---|---|
| 8/2006 -- p. 45 Section 9.9.1 | Danger from mosquitoes is missing. | Add information on mosquitoes to section 9.9.1, including the following recommendation on use of insect repellent to avoid contaminating the sample with DEET: Instead of a DEET-containing repellent, use (a) oil of lemon eucalyptus, or (b) picaridin (a chemical). Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/Media/pressrel/r050428.htm |
| 10/10/00 -- p. 11 Section 9.1.1, first paragraph | Reference for A Guide to Safe Field Operations is U.S. Geological Survey, 1995 | Change reference to read: A Guide to Safe Field Operations (Yobbi and others, 1996) |
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