{"id":1713,"date":"2013-08-01T18:24:32","date_gmt":"2013-08-01T18:24:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erc.cals.wisc.edu\/volunteer\/?p=1713"},"modified":"2013-08-01T18:24:32","modified_gmt":"2013-08-01T18:24:32","slug":"dissolved-oxygen-meters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/kstepenu\/2013\/08\/01\/dissolved-oxygen-meters\/","title":{"rendered":"Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring"},"content":{"rendered":"

Question 1: Does anyone have an affordable, volunteer-friendly DO meter that you recommend?<\/a><\/p>\n

Question 2:\u00a0 Do any of you regularly take DO samples at different depths below the surface? What equipment do you use?<\/a><\/p>\n

Question 3: Does anyone have an easy to use table for Dissolved Oxygen Percent Saturation at temperatures above 30\u00b0 Celsius?<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

Question 1<\/h3>\n

On Thu, Feb 18, 2010 at 4:05 PM, Kerri Bentkowski wrote:<\/p>\n

Dear Water Quality Monitors:<\/p>\n

The Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is looking to upgrade from Green Lamotte DO tests to DO meters. Does anyone have an affordable, volunteer-friendly DO meter that you recommend?<\/p>\n

Thanks,
\nKerri<\/p>\n

Kerri Bentkowski Li Citizen Action Coordinator
\nBuffalo Niagara Riverkeeper
\n1250 Niagara St.
\nBuffalo, NY 14221 (716) 852-7483 ext. 11
\nkbentkowski@bnriverkeeper.org
\nwww.bnriverkeeper.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Responses to Question 1<\/h3>\n

On Thu, Feb 18, 2010 at 11:48 PM, wrote:<\/p>\n

Not cheap but we use YSI 550’s.<\/p>\n

Judy
\nOrleans Water Quality Task Force (Cape Cod, MA)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On Fri, Feb 19, 2010 at 8:25 AM, ginger north wrote:<\/p>\n

We use Fisherbrand Do meters \u2013they are fairly rugged and fairly stable across a broad temperature range. They cost about $500 each. They are easy to calibrate and the volunteers have found them easy to use.<\/p>\n

Ginger North
\nCitizen Science Coordinator
\nDelaware Nature Society
\n302-239-2334 ext. 100
\nginger@delawarenaturesociety.org
\nwww.delawarenaturesociety.org<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On Fri, Feb 19, 2010 at 9:54 AM, Stepenuck, Kris wrote:<\/p>\n

Hi<\/p>\n

Some of our volunteers use model YSI 550a since the membranes are so easy to replace. But, as someone else noted, they’re not cheap ($925).<\/p>\n

Kris Stepenuck
\nWI Volunteer Stream Monitoring Coordinator \/ Extension Volunteer Monitoring Network Staff
\n445 Henry Mall, Rm 202
\nMadison, WI 53706
\n608-265-3887 or 608-264-8948
\nhttp:\/\/watermonitoring.uwex.edu\/wav<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/www.usawaterquality.org\/volunteer<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On Fri, Feb 19, 2010 at 11:01 AM, wrote:<\/p>\n

To add to that, the probes for these (YSI-550’s, etc.) cannot handle extended exposures to extremely anoxic conditions. We collect a Winkler sample if DO falls below 5.0 mg\/L. Otherwise they work great for DO\/temp profiles in both marine and freshwater. When we have had to send them out for repair, it is usually because someone used them in bottom waters that had DO readings of less than 1.0 mg\/L, or sunk the probe in the mud.<\/p>\n

Judy
\nOrleans Water Quality Task Force<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From: Linda Green
\nSent: Fri, Feb 19, 2010 11:13 am
\nSubject: RE: [volmonitor] DO Meter Recommendation Wanted<\/p>\n

Tho we mostly use LaMotte kits, we have several YSI 55\u2019s (fresh water) and 85\u2019s (salt water). Users need to be sure to calibrate them for altitude and check the membrane for bubbles. We had to add fishing weights to get them to hang straight for lake DO\/temperature profiles. We find that we have to have them repaired every 2-3 years at a cost of ~$200 and usually a long time at their repair facility.
\nLinda Green<\/p>\n

Program Director, URI Watershed Watch
\nNatural Resources Science Department
\n105 Coastal Institute
\n1 Greenhouse Road
\nKingston, RI 02881-0804
\n401-874-2905 (v)
\n401-874-4561 (f)
\nemail: lgreen@uri.edu
\nwww.uri.edu\/ce\/wq\/ww<\/a>
\nProject Director, Extension Volunteer Monitoring Network
\nwww.usawaterquality.org\/volunteer<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On Mon, Feb 22, 2010 at 6:43 AM, Sullivan, Christopher wrote:<\/p>\n

I’ve used YSI DO200 with a volunteer group I coordinate in Branford. The membranes are screw-on, so easy to change if needed. Calibration is easy and the meter is able to be set for variable salinities. The meter and probe are sold separately and I have had to replace two probes over the past 6 years of use. The probe\/cable costs around $250 and the meter has a similar cost.<\/p>\n

Good luck, switching to meters from the Lamotte kits we used to use has saved a lot of time on each of our sampling trips. The key is to keep the meters in good condition and calibrated.<\/p>\n

Peace
\nChris<\/p>\n

Chris Sullivan
\nPlanning & Standards Division
\nBureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse
\nCT Department of Environmental Protection
\n79 Elm Street
\nHartford, CT 06106<\/p>\n

Ph: 860-424-3514
\nFax: 860-424-4055<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On Thu, Feb 18, 2010 at 4:43 PM, Jeremy Williamson wrote:<\/p>\n

How affordable? YSI makes a couple of models. I am using the YSI 85,\u00a0which does multiple parameters, but I think that some of our volunteer\u00a0groups are using the YSI 55 which just does DO and Temp.<\/p>\n

——————————————————-
\nJeremy Williamson
\nWater Quality Specialist
\nAquatic Invasive Species Coordinator<\/p>\n

Land & Water Resources Department
\nPolk County Wisconsin
\n100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 120
\nBalsam Lake, WI 54810
\nphone 715.485.8639
\nfax 715.486.8601
\njeremyw@co.polk.wi.us
\nhttp:\/\/www.co.polk.wi.us\/landwater\/<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On Thu, Feb 18, 2010 at 4:57 PM, Cheryl Nenn wrote:<\/p>\n

We use YSI 550A models–mostly b\/c that’s the same unit our Dept. of Natural\u00a0Resources staff uses and we find that if we use their equipment and\u00a0protocols, that they have more confidence in our data. The units are\u00a0expensive, and test for DO and temp, but have worked great!<\/p>\n

Cheryl Nenn
\nRiverkeeper
\nMilwaukee Riverkeeper
\n1845 N. Farwell Ave. Suite 100
\nMilwaukee, WI 53202
\n(414) 287-0207 ext. 229 (note new extension)
\n(414) 273-7293 (fax)
\nwww.milwaukeeriverkeeper.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Formerly Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

Question 2<\/h3>\n

Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:01:22 -0500
\nFrom: Kim Cressman <\/p>\n

Hi everybody,
\nVolunteers in my program have recently begun using LaMotte kits to take DO measurements. One of the volunteers is interested in profiling the water column by using some sort of contraption to sample at different depths (surface, 0.5 m, 1 m). What sort of contraption is yet to be determined \u2013 do any of you regularly take DO samples below the surface? What equipment do you use? We obviously don\u2019t want to introduce oxygen into the sample, and we don\u2019t want to introduce any unnecessary mixing into the water column either.
\nAny thoughts or tips would be appreciated.
\nThanks,
\nKim Cressman
\nEnvironmental Biologist
\nCity of Cape Coral
\nkcressman@capecoral.net<\/p>\n

Responses to Question 2<\/h3>\n

Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:28:44 -0500
\nFrom: “Rathbun, Joseph (DEQ)” <\/p>\n

Look at the LaMotte DO Water Sampler \u2013 p. 337 in the Forestry Suppliers catalog #60. $101<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:31:14 -0500
\nFrom: Ann Schenk <\/p>\n

Kim,
\nThe 0.5 m is easy — hold sample bottle upside down while immersing it to 1\/2 meter, turn right-side up and cap while holding it at that depth. Deeper than that, and you are looking at Kemmerrer, Van Dorn or Niskin bottles, or a pump and hose. The sampling bottles run in the $400-$600 price range to buy, any they can be rented from several companies.
\nSee link below for more details on selection and usage of sampling bottles.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/water.usgs.gov\/owq\/FieldManual\/Chapter2-Archive\/Archive\/Ch2_contents.html<\/a><\/p>\n

The pump and hose option is generally home-made. A 12-V bilge pump and garden hose is easy if working from a boat, but not practical if wading. Batteries are heavy and dangerous in that situation. Have not tried “fountain” or large aquarium pumps as they usually need house power, which is generally not practical.
\nAnn Schenk<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:00:07 -0500
\nFrom: URI Watershed Watch <\/p>\n

The most recent Volunteer Monitor newsletter included directions for making a variety of water samplers, included discrete depth samplers for dissolved oxygen. Please see: http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/volunteer\/issues.htm<\/a> to download a pdf.
\nOur program uses the LaMotte Water Sampling Bottle (3-0026) for sampling as 1 – 20 meters with good success. They cost about $170, and you have to add your own calibrated line and weights, but they\u2019ve been real work horses for us!<\/p>\n

Good luck!
\nElizabeth Herron
\nURI Watershed Watch
\nPhone: 401-874-4552
\nFax: 401-874-4561
\nWeb: http:\/\/www.uri.edu\/ce\/wq\/<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:08:02 -0800
\nFrom: “Williams, Gene” <\/p>\n

Kim,
\nWe have had volunteers doing DO profiles in lakes using LaMotte kits and DO samplers similar to the one Joseph noted or using Van Dorn-type samplers. We use the student water samplers from Aquatic Research Instruments (http:\/\/www.aquaticresearch.com\/student_water_samplers.htm<\/a>) (about $200) , but they also make the DO samplers.
\nI am inserting an excerpt from the monitoring procedures in our QAPP<\/a> (24 KB pdf file) that describes in detail how to use the DO sampler or Van Dorn vertical sampler to take DO measurements at depth being careful not to introduce air into the samples. It\u2019s way more detailed on all the testing steps than you need, but you can find the description of using the samplers.
\nI hope this example from our program helps.
\nGene Williams
\nSnohomish County Public Works
\nSurface Water Management
\n3000 Rockefeller Avenue, M\/S 607
\nEverett, WA 98201-4046
\n(425) 388-3464 x4563
\ngene.williams@snoco.org<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:57:15 -0800 (PST)
\nFrom: Revital Katznelson <\/p>\n

Kim,
\nWe made widespread use of the upright sampling apparatus in California; this apparatus holds the 60-ml DO bottle inside a bigger chamber and it gets flushed with several volumes of water before the sample is used for the Winkler titration. There are several commercial models you can choose from (thanks, all of you who responded), and you can also build one yourself based on the same principle. You may find a useful drawing in our SOP 3.1.1.2 in the Clean Water Team Guidance Compendium, at
\nhttp:\/\/www.waterboards.ca.gov\/water_issues\/programs\/swamp\/cwt_guidance.shtml<\/a>
\nHere is another option:
\nWay back in the 1980s I rigged a syringe-pump apparatus, made of a 60ml syringe, tubing, and a three-way stopcock, for collection of water samples at defined depths below the water surface without contact with air. I used the samples for analyses of dissolved oxygen, sulfides, and other water quality characteristics. It works really well for depths up to 3 meters. I built it again in the 1990s with my colleague, and the instructions were published as SOP 2.1.1.3 (Construction and Use of a Syringe Pump Apparatus) in the Clean Water Team Guidance Compendium, at
\nhttp:\/\/www.waterboards.ca.gov\/water_issues\/programs\/swamp\/cwt_guidance.shtml<\/a>
\nGood luck,
\nRevital
\n==================
\nRevital Katznelson, Ph.D.
\nEnvironmental Scientist
\nBerkeley, California
\nrevitalk@sbcglobal.net
\n510 406 8514<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:39:07 -0500
\nFrom: nolnacsj@aol.com<\/p>\n

We use direct reading instruments like a YSI, and take measurements at different depths (profile) for most of our volunteer monitoring efforts in both marine, and freshwater lakes and ponds. You can also collect a Winkler sample, but it requires volunteers to fix the sample in the field with small chemical packets, and normally a certified lab does the analyses which costs money. When we do collect DO samples (Winkler bottles), we use a Niskin sample bottle for collection at different depths. There is a special procedure used when collecting a Winkler sample so that extra oxygen is not introduced. However, based on my own experience with volunteer monitoring efforts, the direct reading instrument is the way to go. This also allows you to collect the temperature data you need for your DO\/temp profile. We only collect a Winkler sample when the DO reading using the YSI is below 5.0 mg\/L.<\/p>\n

There are some excellent volunteer monitoring programs and technical resources available in Southwest Florida. I attended a great conference in Punta Gorda about 6 years ago. I remember Port Charlotte had a group, and so did the Peace River. SW Florida has a good water resources group too. I am sure there is a very large water quality network available to you. Just search the Net. The folks at the Ding Darling (national wildlife preserve) on Sanibel can probably help you also. I live in MA on Cape Cod, but just arrived on Sanibel yesterday where I will be for 2 months, so if I can help you more, please feel free to contact me. nolnacsj@aol.com<\/p>\n

Judy
\nOrleans Water Quality Task Force
\nOrleans, MA (Cape Cod)
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

Question 3<\/h3>\n

Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:54:06 -0400
\nFrom: Lauren Webster
\nSubject: [volmonitor] Dissolved Oxygen Percent Saturation<\/p>\n

Hi all,<\/p>\n

I began a citizen water quality monitoring program earlier this year. The participants use basic sampling kits from LaMotte. Now that it has gotten warmer, testers are reading water temperatures above 30\u00b0 Celsius. Does anyone have an easy to use table for Dissolved Oxygen Percent Saturation at temperatures above 30\u00b0 Celsius?<\/p>\n

Thanks,<\/p>\n

Lauren Webster<\/p>\n

Restoration Coordinator
\nPatuxent Riverkeeper
\n(301) 249-8200 ext 6<\/p>\n

Responses to Question 3<\/h3>\n

Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:14:35 -0600
\nFrom: Claire Foster
\nSubject: Re: [volmonitor] Dissolved Oxygen Percent Saturation<\/p>\n

Hi Lauren,
\nWater on the Web has instructions for calculating percent saturation for dissolved oxygen using a formula – you could certainly create an easy to use table that goes as high as you need it using these directions. Here’s the link: http:\/\/waterontheweb.org\/under\/waterquality\/oxygen.html<\/a>
\nThe formula itself is a little daunting, but if you paste the excel version into a spreadsheet and fill it in, it’s not hard at all. If you don’t want to correct for altitude, you can just enter 1 for the atmospheric pressure.<\/p>\n

Hope that’s helpful!<\/p>\n

Claire Foster<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:36:44 -0500
\nFrom: Chris Riggert <\/p>\n

I created an Excel sheet that lists DO up to 15 ppm, and water temps to 39 C (makes a nice rectangular box, ha)…it also has the formula on the bottom if needed. It went over so well we ended up incorporating it into our training manuals. I would be happy to forward it to whomever wants one (can’t attach things to the listserv).<\/p>\n

Editor’s note: Chris sent us two files to post online. Chris pointed out that they show basically the same thing, just in slightly different format. They follow:<\/p>\n

DO Conversion Table<\/a> (11 KB pdf file)<\/p>\n

DO Conversion Table 2 <\/a>(10 KB pdf file)<\/p>\n

Chris<\/p>\n

Christopher M. Riggert
\nStream Team Program
\nVolunteer Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator
\nMissouri Department of Conservation
\nP.O. Box 180
\n2901 W. Truman Blvd.
\nJefferson City, MO 65102-0180
\nPhone: (573) 522-4115 ext. 3167
\nFax: (573) 526-0990
\nChris.Riggert@mdc.mo.gov
\nwww.mostreamteam.org<\/a><\/p>\n

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