USGS-OWQ: TM1-D3 Field Meter Calibration: Use and Calibration of Field Meters
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Official Method Name
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Use and Calibration of Field Meters; in Guidelines and Standard Procedures for Continuous Water-Quality Monitors: Operation, Record Computation, and Data |
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Current Revision
| 2006 |
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Media
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WATER |
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Instrumentation
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Multiprobe sonde |
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Method Subcategory
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Inorganic |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Wagner, R.J., Boulger, R.W., Jr., Oblinger, C.J., and Smith, B.A., 2006, Guidelines and standard procedures for continuous water-quality monitors¿Station operation, record computation, and data reporting: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 1¿D3, 51 p. + 8 attachments; accessed April 10, 2006, at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/tm1d3 |
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Protocol
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USGS TM1-D3 - USGS Protocols for continuous water-quality monitors |
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Brief Method Summary
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The three major uses for a field meter during servicing of a continuous water-quality monitor are (1) as a general check of reasonableness of monitor readings, (2) as an independent check of environmental changes during the service interval, and (3) to make cross-section surveys or vertical profiles in order to verify the representativeness of the location of the sonde in the aquatic environment. The field meter should not be used directly to calibrate the water-quality monitor nor in the computation of monitor records. With the exception of temperature, it is important not to give too much credence to meter-to-meter comparisons. Independent field measurements must be made before, during, and after servicing the monitor to document environmental changes during the service inter- val. Measurements are made at the monitoring site by locating calibrated field instruments as close to the sensor as possible and at 5-minute intervals, or more frequently if necessary. Before site visits, all support field meters should be checked for operation and accuracy. Minimum calibration frequency for each type of meter is detailed in Anderson (2004) and Wilde and Radtke (2005). All calibrations must be recorded in instrument logbooks, along with all calibrations, measurements, results from USGS National Field Quality Assurance (NFQA) Program samples, and information about sensor replacements, instrument upgrades, or other periodic calibrations. |
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Scope and Application
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This section of USGS TM1-D3 covers the use and calibration of field meters. The three major uses for a field meter during servicing of a continuous water-quality monitor are (1) as a general check of reasonableness of monitor readings, (2) as an independent check of environmental changes during the service interval, and (3) to make cross-section surveys or vertical profiles in order to verify the representativeness of the location of the sonde in the aquatic environment. Field meters should not be used directly to calibrate the water-quality monitor. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Interferences
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Quality Control Requirements
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Sample Handling
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Maximum Holding Time
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Relative Cost
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Less than $50 |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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