USGS-NAWQA: NAWQA Phytoplankton (APHY): Algal phytoplankton sample collection in wadeable streams by SG-92 (and other instruments)
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Official Method Name
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Revised Protocols for Sampling Algal, Invertebrate, and Fish Communities as Part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program |
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Current Revision
| 2002 |
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Media
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Biological (Waterbody type - Wadeable stream) |
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Instrumentation
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Water Sample Splitter (e.g., cone, churn) |
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Method Subcategory
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Population/Community |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Protocol
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USGS NAWQA 2002 Eco Protocols - Revised Protocols for Sampling Algal, Invertebrate, and Fish Communities as Part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program |
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Brief Method Summary
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Phytoplankton are floating or weakly swimming microscopic algae; also known as algal seston in streams. This method describes how to collect samples that are analyzed for Chlorophyll A and particulate organic carbon (POC). Epilithic habitats are sampled by using one of three methods depending on the types of rock substrate being sampled. The SG-92 is a modified syringe-sampling device and performs best on smooth cobble surfaces with moderate-to-dense coverage of microalgal periphyton. The "top-rock scrape" method is used for sampling irregular cobble surfaces or when cobble surfaces have sparse periphyton coverage. The gravel sampler is used when sampling microalgal periphyton attached to gravel substrates. |
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Scope and Application
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This method describes the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) protocol for algae sampling, specifically phytoplankton (APHY). It is one protocol of the larger USGS Open-File Report 02-150. APHY sampling protocols are described in section 4 of the report. The full report summarizes the protocols report provides revised protocols for sampling algal, invertebrate, and fish communities as part of the NAWQA Program. The protocols describe required methods for collecting and processing biological samples. This report revises the original NAWQA protocols for algae (Porter and others, 1993), invertebrates (Cuffney and others, 1993), and fish (Meador and others, 1993; Walsh and Meador, 1998). |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Interferences
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Quality Control Requirements
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Additional (10–20 percent) subsample splits can be prepared for CHL A, AFDM or POC, and ID subsamples to evaluate precision of subsample preparation and laboratory analysis. Replicated sampling within the reach can be used to evaluate the variance in algal community structure. |
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Sample Handling
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Preserve the sample with a sufficient volume of buffered formaldehyde according to the method report table to obtain a final concentration of 3 to 5 percent buffered formalin. Ship in coolers containing dry ice and frozen CHL A and AFDM or POC subsample filters. Coolers should be shipped within a day or two after the subsamples are prepared because of a 25-day holding-time limit on the subsamples. Subsamples can be temporarily stored in freezers (at -20°C) at the field office over weekends. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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25 days |
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Relative Cost
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Unknown |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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A 1-L sample for nutrient-enriched streams and 5-L sample for groundwater-fed low-nutrient streams. |
