Water Quality Analysis: YSI Dissolved Oxygen Meters and Probes Preparation and Calibration, Lecture notes of Water Resources Planning and Management

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR

BASELINE WATER QUALITY SAMPLING

BY

WEBSTER PEARSALL

STATE OF MAINE

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

December 22, 1997

DEPLW96-19-A

Table of Contents

Section Page

List of Figures iii List of Tables iii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1 YSI Model 50B Display during Power On Self Test 17 2 Hach Color Test Kit Model CO-1: Low Range Set up 53 3 Measuring Low Range Color using Hach Model CO-1 53 4 DEP Field Form DEP-142B 64 5 DEP Field Form DEP-142 68 5A DEP Field Form DEP-142, Side 2 69 6 Chlorophyll a Lab Analysis Sheet 74 7 DHSHETL Request Sheet 76

A1 YSI Model 95 Membrane Cap Installation 82

LIST OF TABLES

1 Solubility of Oxygen in Water Exposed to Water saturated Air at Atmospheric Pressure 14 2 Calibration Values for Various Atmospheric Pressures and Altitudes 15 3 Wind Speed Chart 66

List of Appendices

1 Spring or New Probe Preparation and Winterizing Techniques for YSI Models 54A, 50B, 51B, 55 Dissolved Oxygen Meters 80 2 Spring or New Membrane cap Replacement and Winterizing Techniques for YSI model 95 Dissolved Oxygen Meter 81 3 Error Display Messages for YSI Model 50B Dissolved Oxygen Meter 83 4 YSI Model 55 Dissolved Oxygen Meter Troubleshooting Guide 84 5 YSI Model 95 Dissolved Oxygen Meter Troubleshooting Guide 86 6 Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Sampling Strategies 88 7 Epilimnetic and Epilimnetic Core Depth Determinations 89 8 DEP Coding System 90

iii

Section 1.0 Introduction:

This manual is intended to provide volunteer monitors with detailed instructions on the sampling procedures used in the collection of baseline water quality data. It is organized so that each parameter or procedure has a separate section. Many of the procedures described were lifted from the instruction manuals that accompanied various kits and pieces of equipment*. Other procedures came from Potvin and Bacon (1993) or EPA (1991) publications. This document is not intended to replace the owners manuals supplied with equipment and it is important that you read all such instructions. If you are using a meter or test kit not discussed in this manual follow the manufacturer's directions for care, calibration, and obtaining data measurements. In addition, if you are using field kits which employ chemicals, read all the instructions that come with the kit, including the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and follow their safety guidelines. Safety glasses should be worn when using these kits.

Before making a commitment to lake sampling contact the DEP Lakes Program's staff to discuss your plans. Read the appropriate sections of this manual carefully before attempting to collect data. You should also read and review the appropriate sections of this manual annually. If you have questions contact the DEP.

You are providing a valuable service by gathering baseline data on your lake but please remember to put safety first. While sampling you will be moving around in your boat and this can be dangerous.Please wear your PFD at all times and observe watercraft safety rules.You should consider taking a safe boating or water safety course. Knowing the "rules of the water" makes a safe enjoyable experience.

*Equipment may be referenced in this document. This does not constitute an endorsement of any particular manufacturer. Such references are based on equipment known to be in use within the state.

Section 3.0 Temperature & Dissolved Oxygen Profiles:

Several manufacturers make dissolved oxygen (DO) meters and chemical field kits. This manual will explain sampling procedures for several popular Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) meters, models 54A, 50B, 51B, 55 and

95. In addition, the procedures involved with LaMotte's models 5856 and 7414 dissolved oxygen test kits are also discussed.

As stated in the introduction, if you are using a meter or test kit not discussed in this manual follow the manufacturer's directions for care, calibration, and for obtaining data measurements. DEP uses the air calibration method to calibrate its meters.

Dissolved oxygen and temperature profile readings should be conducted at the deep hole of the lake or at a predetermined sampling site set up by DEP to provide specific data. In addition, DO and temperature readings should be collected at every meter. It is vital that the boat be anchored before starting to sample. Even the slightest breeze can blow the boat away from the deep hole. In addition, the dissolved oxygen/temperature probe could descend at an angle, thus affecting the depth of sample collection.

Section 3.1 Probe Preparation (YSI Models 54A, 50B, 51B):

In this section, routine checking and probe preparation before meter calibration for YSI models 54A, 50B, 51B are discussed. The following procedures have been obtained from YSI owner manuals. The probe should be checked, and prepared if necessary, every time the meter is calibrated. New probes are sent from the manufacturer dry. New probes, and probes properly winterized, will need to have the protective membrane on the probe tip removed, the probe filled with potassium chloride (KCl) solution, and a new membrane installed before using the probe. See Appendix (1) for spring and new probe preparation and proper winterizing techniques.

1. Remove the probe from its calibration chamber.
2. Check the probe for wrinkles in, or air bubbles and coatings of slime or oil on, the membrane. If either are present the membrane must be replaced and KCl replenished. To achieve this, follow Steps 2a through 2l.

NOTE: It is a good idea to replace the membrane every few months regardless of its condition.

2a. Unscrew sensor guard and then carefully remove the "O" ring and membrane.

2b. Check the gold cathode: It must always be bright and untarnished. To clean, wipe with a clean lint-free cloth or hard paper. Never use any form of abrasive or chemical. Rinse the sensor several times with KCl, refill and install new membrane, steps 2c-2l.

NOTE: If the tarnish cannot be removed by vigorous wiping with a soft cloth or hard paper - return the probe to the factory for service. NOTE: DEP trained staff will check probes during the annual QA/QC visit each year and help clean probes before excess tarnish has build up.

2c. Check the silver anode. If contaminated it must be cleaned.

NOTE: To clean the anode, remove the o-ring and membrane and soak the probe overnight in 3% ammonium hydroxide. Rinse the tip and KCl reservoir with deionized water, add new KCl solution and install new membrane and o-ring (Steps 2d to 2l).

2d. Thoroughly flush the reservoir with KCl, then refill until a large meniscus completely covers the gold cathode.

NOTE: On Model 5739 probes, you should also pump the diaphragm (with pencil eraser or similar blunt tool) at this time to ensure no air bubble are present. If air bubbles are present continue pumping the diaphragm and refilling the KCl solution until no bubbles appear.

Continued:

Section 3.1 Probe Preparation (YSI Models 54A, 50B, 51B): (cont.)

2e. Carefully remove one membrane from its packet.Handle membrane by its edges. Do Not Touch Any Part Of The Membrane That Will Be In Contact With The KCl.

2f. Secure the membrane to the side of the probe with your left thumb, if right handed. Vice versa for left handed people.

2g. With the thumb and forefinger of your other hand grasp the free end of themembrane.

2h. Using a continuous motion stretch the membrane UP, OVER, and DOWN the other side of the sensor. Secure that end of the membrane under the fore finger of the hand holding the probe.

Section 3.1.2 Probe Preparation (YSI Model 55):

The YSI Model 55 dissolved oxygen probe is a non-detachable, polargraphic sensor designed specially for the YSI handheld dissolved oxygen meter. The probe should be checked, and prepared if necessary, every time the meter is calibrated. New probes are sent from the manufacture dry. New probes, and probes properly winterized, will need to have the protective membrane on the probe tip removed, the probe filled with potassium chloride (KCl) solution, and a new membrane installed before using the probe. See Appendix (1) for spring and new probe preparation and proper winterizing techniques.

1. Remove the probe from its calibration chamber.
2. Check the probe for wrinkles in, or air bubbles and coatings of slime or oil on, the membrane. If either are present the membrane must be replaced and KCl replenished. To achieve this, follow Steps 2a through 2k.

NOTE: It is a good idea to replace the membrane every few months regardless of its condition.

2a. Unscrew sensor guard and then carefully remove the "O" ring and membrane.

2b. Check the gold cathode: It must always be bright and untarnished.

NOTE: If it is tarnished it must be restored. To restore the gold cathode you may either return the instrument to the factory, or clean it using YSI Model 5680 probe reconditioning kit. Never use chemicals or abrasives not supplied with this kit.

2c. Check the silver anode. If contaminated it must be cleaned.

NOTE: To clean the anode, remove the o-ring and membrane and soak the probe overnight in 3% ammonium hydroxide. Rinse the tip and KCl reservoir with deionized water, add new KCl solution and install new membrane and o-ring (Steps 2d to 2l).

2d. Thoroughly flush the reservoir with KCl, then refill until a large meniscus completely covers the gold cathode.

2e. Carefully remove one membrane from its packet.Handle membrane by its edges. Do Not Touch Any Part Of The Membrane That Will Be In Contact With The KCl.

2f. Secure the membrane to the side of the probe with your left thumb, if right handed. Vice versa for left handed people..

2g. With the thumb and forefinger of your other hand grasp the free end of themembrane.

Continued: Section 3.1.2 Probe Preparation (YSI Model 55): (cont.)

2h. Using a continuous motion stretch the membrane UP, OVER, and DOWN the other side of the sensor. Secure that end of the membrane under the fore finger of the hand holding the probe.

2i. Roll the "O" ring over the end of the probe. There should be no wrinkles or trapped air bubbles in the membrane. Some wrinkles may be removed by lightlypulling on the edges of the membrane beyond the "O" ring.

2j. If bubbles or wrinkles are present repeat steps 2c through 2h.

2k. Trim off excess membrane with scissors or sharp knife. Check to make sure that the stainless steel temperature sensor is not covered by excess membrane.

2l. Shake off excess KCl and reinstall the sensor guard.

3. Check to make sure no drops of water or KCl are clinging to the membrane. If drops are present, shake or blow gently to remove drops. DO NOT Tap The Probe.
4. Check the sponge in the calibration chamber to ensure that it is damp.

NOTE: It is important that the sponge be damp, but not excessively wet. You should not be able to squeeze water out of the sponge.

5. Replace the probe to the calibration chamber; wait approximately 15 minutes for the temperature to stabilize.
6. The probe is now prepared.

Section 3.2 Calibration of YSI Dissolved Oxygen Meters:

The following calibration steps have been taken from YSI owners manuals. Calibration involves preparing the dissolved oxygen probe and meter, and calibration of the meter. Calibration must be done prior to taking readings at every sampling location. We strongly suggest checking the meter's response, e.g. red-line properly, before taking it out into the field, to make sure that the batteries are not low.

NOTE: It is important to leave the meter on between calibration and obtaining readings. If the meter is turned off, you must go through the calibration procedures again.

Section 3.2.1 YSI Models 54 ARC & 54 ABP: (Meter Preparation)

NOTE: The DEP leaves the cable and probe attached to the meter at all times. This reduces wear on the pin connectors, and does not affect meter preparation or calibration.

1. Prepare the probe as described in Section 3.1.
2. With the meter off, adjust the meter pointer to zero (mg/L line) with the screw in the center of the meter panel. Readjustment may be necessary if the instrument position is changed, i.e. vertically, or horizontally. Meters should be turned on at least 30 minutes prior to use and calibration.
3. Switch to the Red Line mode and adjust the Red Line knob until the meter needle aligns with the read mark.

NOTE: Battery replacement or recharging on the YSI Model 54A is indicated if the "red line" adjustment cannot be made or oxygen calibration cannot be achieved. (Warning: A faulty probe will also not permit oxygen calibration.)

4. Switch to Zero mode and adjust to zero with Zero control knob.
5. Before calibrating allow 20 minutes for probe and meter stabilization.

NOTE: It is important that the meter and probe be kept at the same climatic conditions during the preparation and calibration steps. It is best to keep both out of direct sunlight.

Solubility of Oxygen in Water Exposed to Water-Saturated Air

at Atmospheric Pressure

Temperature oC

Calibration Value Oxygen Solubility mg/L Temperature oC

Calibration Value

Calibration Values for Various Atmospheric Pressures and Altitudes Pressure Altitude Calibration

• 1.0 Introduction List of Appendices iii
• 2.0 Water Transparency (Secchi Disk)
• 2.1 Quality Control For Secchi Disk Readings
• 3.0 Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Profiles
• 3.1 Probe Preparation (YSI Models 54A, 50B, 51B)
• 3.1.2 Probe Preparation (YSI Model 55)
• 3.1.3 Probe Preparation (YSI Model 95)
• 3.2 Calibration of YSI Dissolved Oxygen Meters
• 3.2.1 YSI Models 54ARC & 54ABP (Meter Preparation)
• 3.2.2 YSI Models 54ARC & 54ABP (Air Calibration)
• 3.2.3 YSI Model 50B (Meter Preparation)
• 3.2.4 YSI Model 50B (Air Calibration)
• 3.2.5 YSI Model 51B (Meter Preparation)
• 3.2.6 YSI Model 51B (Air Calibration)
• 3.2.7 YSI Model 55 (Meter Preparation)
• 3.2.8 YSI Model 55 (Air Calibration)
• 3.2.9 YSI Model 95 (Meter Preparation)
• 3.2.10 YSI Model 95 (Air Calibration)
• 3.3 Collecting Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Data
• 3.3.1 YSI Model 54A (Data Collection)
• 3.3.2 YSI Model 50B (Data Collection)
• 3.3.3 YSI Model 51B (Data Collection)
• 3.3.4 YSI Model 55 (Data Collection)
• 3.3.5 YSI Model 95 (Data Collection)
• 3.4 Quality Control For Dissolved Oxygen (Meters)
• 4.0 Dissolved Oxygen Test Kits (LaMotte)
• 4.1 Sample Collection and Temperature Determination
• 4.2 Dissolved Oxygen Fixation (LaMotte Model 7414)
• 4.3 Dissolved Oxygen Fixation (LaMotte Model 5856)
• 4.4 Titration Procedures for Dissolved Oxygen Determination (LaMotte)
• 4.5 Quality Control For Dissolved Oxygen Test Kits (LaMotte)
• 5.0 Total Phosphorus
• 5.1 Total Phosphorus Collection from a Grab Sample
• 5.1.1 Quality Control For Total Phosphorus Grab Samples
• 5.2 Total Phosphorus Collection from a Core Sample
• 5.2.1 Quality Control For Total Phosphorus from Core Samples
• 6.0 Chlorophyll a Section Page
• 6.1 Chlorophyll a Sample Collection
• 6.2 Chlorophyll a Filtration
• 6.3 Quality Control for Chlorophyll a
• 7.0 Chemical and Physical Parameters
• 7.1 Alkalinity
• 7.1.1 Lab Titration Method
• 7.1.2 Alkalinity Test Kit (Hach Model AL-APMG)
• 7.1.2.1 Low Range Test (Hach Model AL-APMG)
• 7.1.2.2 High Range Test (Hach Model AL-APMG)
• 7.1.3 Quality Control for Alkalinity (Hach Model AL-APMG)
• 7.2 Apparent Color
• 7.2.1 Apparent Color Test Kit (Hach Model CO-1)
• 7.2.1.1 Low Range Test (Hach Model CO-1)
• 7.2.1.2 High Range Test (Hach Model CO-1)
• 7.2.1.3 Quality Control for Hach Apparent Color Kits (Low and High Range)
• 7.2.2 Apparent Color Test Kit (LaMotte Model CT-PC)
• 7.2.3 Quality Control For LaMotte Apparent Color Test Kit
• 8.0 Determining Epilimnetic Depth
• 9.0 Obtaining a Core Sample
• 10.0 Obtaining a Grab Sample
• 11.0 Labeling Samples and Containers
• 11.1 TP, Chlorophyll a Containers
• 11.2 Chlorophyll a Glassine Envelopes
• 12.0 Forms
• 12.1 Field Form DEP-142B
• 12.2 Field Form DEP-142
• 12.3 DEP Chlorophyll a Lab Analysis Sheet
• Request Form 12.4 Dept. Human Services Health & Environmental Testing Lab
• References
• Table
• 0.0 14.62 26.0 8. Oxygen Solubility mg/L
• 1.0 14.22 27.0 7.
• 2.0 13.83 28.0 7.
• 3.0 13.46 29.0 7.
• 4.0 13.11 30.0 7.
• 5.0 12.77 31.0 7.
• 6.0 12.45 32.0 7.
• 7.0 12.14 33.0 7.
• 8.0 11.84 34.0 7.
• 9.0 11.56 35.0 6.
• 10.0 11.29 36.0 6.
• 11.0 11.03 37.0 6.
• 12.0 10.78 38.0 6.
• 13.0 10.54 39.0 6.
• 14.0 10.31 40.0 6.
• 15.0 10.08 41.0 6.
• 16.0 9.87 42.0 6.
• 17.0 9.67 43.0 6.
• 18.0 9.47 44.0 6.
• 19.0 9.28 45.0 5.
• 20.0 9.09 46.0 5.
• 21.0 8.92 47.0 5.
• 22.0 8.74 48.0 5.
• 23.0 8.58 49.0 5.
• 24.0 8.42 50.0 5.
• 25.0 8.
• Table
• 775 540 165 1. in. Hg mm Hg Feet Meters Correction Value
• 30.23 768 -276 -84 1.
• 29.92 760 0 0 1.
• 29.61 752 278 85 0.
• 29.33 745 558 170 0.
• 29.02 737 841 256 0.
• 28.74 730 1126 343 0.
• 28.43 722 1413 431 0.
• 28.11 714 1703 519 0.
• 27.83 707 1995 608 0.
• 27.52 699 2290 698 0.
• 27.24 692 2587 789 0.
• 26.93 684 2887 880 0.
• 26.61 676 3190 972 0.
• 26.34 669 3496 1066 0.
• 26.02 661 3804 1160 0.
• 25.75 654 4115 1254 0.
• 25.43 646 4430 1350 0.
• 25.12 638 4747 1447 0.
• 24.84 631 5067 1544 0.
• 24.53 623 5391 1643 0.
• 24.25 616 5717 1743 0.
• 23.94 608 6047 1843 0.
• 23.62 600 0.
• 23.35 593 0.
• 23.03 585 0.
• 22.76 578 0.
• 22.44 570 0.
• 22.13 562 0.
• 21.85 555 0.
• 21.54 547 0.
• 21.26 540 0.
• 20.94 532 0.
• 20.63 524 0.
• 20.35 517 0.
• 20.04 509 0.
• 19.76 502 0.

Section 3.2.3 YSI Model 50B: (Meter Preparation) (cont.)

5. Temperature will be displayed after the second tone. Observe the reading for stability. Temperature equilibration may take up to 5 minutes.6. Set the function switch to the mg/L position and allow 15 minutes for the system to stabilize. If calibration is attempted prematurely, the calibration value will drift and may be out of specification. NOTE: It is important that the meter and probe be kept at the same climatic conditions during meter preparation and calibration. It is best to keep both out of direct sunlight.