Sample Collection and Processing

Samples will be collected using protocols for the collection of pesticide analysis in Shelton, (1994) http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pnsp/pubs/ofr94-455/sw-t.html

For all OGRL water methods including dissolved-phase algal toxins:

1. Preclean all equipment with a Liquinox/tap-water solution, rinsed with tap water, deonized water, and then methanol, and then air dry.
2. Filter sample water through a 0.7-µm pore-size baked glass-fiber filter after a 100 ml rinse of the filter with sample water, into baked amber glass bottles If filtering is not possible, then it can be done upon request at a rate of $75 per sample of $100 per sample for WWTP Influent & liquid livestock waste.
3. Upon collection, all samples will be kept chilled until shipped to the lab.

For all OGRL Total algal toxin methods:

1. Preclean all equipment with a Liquinox/tap-water solution, rinsed with tap water, deonized water, and then methanol, and then air dry.
2. Upon collection, all samples will be kept chilled until shipped overnight to the OGRL or samples may be frozed and then shipped overnight at a later date. Manual defrost freezers are preferred since they do not have automatic warming and freezing cycles that frostless freezers possess.

Bottle Requirements

*When submitting samples for total analysis (IMNT, IMYT, and IMXT) only fill the bottles half-way to ensure that they do not break when frozen.

Shipping Instructions

1. Label bottles clearly with waterproof marker or preprinted labels (a paper label completely covered with clear packing tape is preferred). Information required on the bottle is shown:
   • -Project code:
   • -station id
   • -stream/well name/location
   • -date and time
   • -lab method code

   Example:

   Project code:	To be assigned by Julie Dietze
   station id	123456789101112
   stream/well name/location	Clinton Lake @ Lawrence, KS
   date and time	12-02-16 @ 1015
   lab method code	LCGY



2. The following additional information from an ASR is required to transfer results from the lab database to QWDX for upload to NWIS. Data can be uploaded to the QWDX site upon request with the exception of some custom research methods and soils/solids/bed sediment methods.
   • User Code
   • State Code
   • Sample Medium Code
   • Sample Type

   Example:

   User Code:	KS
   State Code:	020
   Sample Medium Code:	WS
   Sample Type:	9

   
   
3. Glass bottles to be placed in foam sleeves to help prevent breakage. The bottles from each site will then be placed in a ZIPLOCK-type bag, which will help keep them dry in the coolers and keep all bottles from the same site together. All samples will be kept chilled and shipped on ice. If this is not possible, make certain samples are kept cool or frozen (1/2 full) until they are shipped to the OGRL.


4. Coolers will be returned at your project's expense. The three options for cooler return are listed below.
   • A. Enclose a return mailing label and correct postage metered for return of cooler by parcel post mail
   • B. Return a completed Federal Express shipping label identifying your USGS internal cost code or Federal Express account number.
   • C. Enclose a mailing label and internal USGS cost code to have the cooler returned by Federal Express Ground shipping.

Digital pictures of sites where algal toxins samples are collected should be provided electronically when possible.

The coolers must be sent Monday through Thursday by overnight delivery. The laboratory is not open on Saturday or Sunday. The laboratory is also closed on federal holidays; therefore, coolers should not be sent the day before a holiday.

If you have questions or need to set up a new project, please contact Julie Dietze at (785) 832-3564 or email juliec@usgs.gov. Please use the following address when shipping samples: