Collecting Water Samples for Mercury Analysis

Summary

This instructional video guide outlines the meticulous process of collecting water, sediment, and dragonfly larvae samples from national parks for mercury analysis. It emphasizes the importance of following protocols, maintaining cleanliness, and safety during field sampling. Participants are provided with a collection kit, and the video offers detailed steps on equipment setup, sampling techniques, and sample storage and shipment, ensuring accurate mercury level assessments to protect park ecosystems.

Takeaways

• 📘 Follow protocols and maintain cleanliness for uncontaminated mercury samples.
• 🌐 The video is a guide for collecting dragonfly larvae, water, and sediment samples for mercury analysis in national parks.
• 📚 Download the sampling guide from the provided website for detailed instructions.
• 🧑‍🔬 Collect samples for mercury analysis, including water, sediment, and dragonfly larvae.
• 📸 Document the sampling process with pictures and observations, but adhere strictly to the protocol for actual sampling.
• 🧳 Upon participation, receive a collection kit with specified equipment and materials.
• 👷‍♂️ Ensure personal safety with flotation devices for citizen scientists entering the water.
• 📅 Schedule sampling at least two weeks in advance and preferably on Monday to Wednesday for timely lab analysis.
• 🌡️ Collect water samples first as they are most sensitive to contamination and perform the task in consistent weather conditions.
• 👐 Differentiate roles for 'clean hands' and 'dirty hands' during sampling to prevent contamination.
• 🚰 Rinse the sampling bottle thrice before filling it with water to ensure cleanliness.
• 📝 Record barcode and other details on the field data sheet and store samples on ice after collection.
• 📦 Ship samples within 24 hours using FedEx overnight, with a prepaid return label and contact your coordinator for tracking.
• ❓ Contact the project coordinator for any questions regarding sampling procedures.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video script?

The main purpose of the video script is to guide participants on how to collect water, sediment, and dragonfly larvae samples for mercury analysis in national parks, ensuring the samples are not contaminated and following the correct protocols.

Where can I find the sampling guide mentioned in the video?

You can download a copy of the sampling guide from the website displayed on the screen during the video.

What are the three types of samples that will be collected for mercury analysis?

The three types of samples to be collected are water, sediment, and dragonfly larvae.

What is the importance of following the protocol during sampling?

Following the protocol ensures that the samples are collected without contamination, which is crucial for accurate mercury analysis and understanding the risk of mercury to national park ecosystems.

What safety equipment is required for citizen scientists who are going into the water?

Citizen scientists going into the water must have personal flotation devices for safety.

When should I contact the project coordinator before collecting the water sample?

You should contact the project coordinator at least 2 weeks prior to when you plan to collect the water sample to allow for analytical preparation time for the lab.

What are the best days to collect water samples according to the script?

The best days to collect water samples are Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to ensure the samples can be shipped within 24 hours of collection and to avoid weekends when the lab may not be staffed.

What should be done if the water sample bottle gets sediment or mud from the bottom of the water body during collection?

If the sample bottle gets sediment or mud, the participant should pour out the sample, rinse the bottle three times, and then try to collect the sample again.

How should the water sample be stored in the field before shipping?

The water sample should be stored in a cooler with bagged ice, and the sample should be sealed in its double bags. A copy of the field data sheet should also be placed in a zipper bag inside the cooler.

What should be included in the shipment of the water samples to the lab?

The shipment should include the water sample in the cooler with ice, a FedEx shipping label, a copy of the field data sheet in a zipper bag, and the field coordinator's contact information.

How should the sample be handled after collection to avoid contamination?

After collection, the sample should be handled by 'clean hands' who only touch the inner bag in the sample bottle. 'Dirty hands' should handle everything else to prevent contamination of the sample.