United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory
Las Vegas NV 89193-3478
Research and Development
EPA/600/S4-88/025 Apr. 1990
v°/EPA Project Summary
Eastern Lake Survey-
Phase II and National Stream
Survey-Phase I Processing
Laboratory Operations Report
L. J. Arent, M. 0. Morison, and C. S. Soong
The National Surface Water Survey
was designed to characterize surface
water chemistry in regions of the
United States believed to be
potentially sensitive to acidic deposi-
tion. The National Stream Survey was
a synoptic survey designed to quan-
tify the chemistry of streams in areas
of the United States known to contain
low alkalinity waters. Phase II of the
Eastern Lake Survey was designed to
address temporal variability of chem-
ical and biological characteristics of
a subset of Phase I lakes. This docu-
ment describes the centralized pro-
cessing laboratory operations associ-
ated with the 1986 surveys.
The processing laboratory was
located in Las Vegas, NV. Personnel
at the laboratory processed water
samples received from the field and
shipped prepared aliquo.ts to con-
tracted analytical laboratories for
subsequent analyses. Dissolved inor-
ganic carbon, pH, total monomeric
aluminum, organically bound mono-
meric aluminum, true color, turbidity,
and conductivity were measured at
the processing laboratory. A total of
3,377 lake, stream, and snowpack
samples were processed and anal-
yzed during the 1986 studies.
The centralized laboratory opera-
tion was successful. Samples were
prepared for shipment to the analyt-
ical laboratories within the specified
holding time in all cases. No
personnel safety incidents occurred
during the study. Recommendations
regarding laboratory operations are
included in this report to assist in the
preparation of similar projects.
This report was submitted in partial
fulfillment of contract 68-03-3249 by
Lockheed Engineering and Manage-
ment Services Company, Inc., under
the sponsorship of the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency.
This Project Summary was devel-
oped by EPA's Environmental Moni-
toring Systems Laboratory, Las Vegas,
NV, to announce key findings of the
research project that is fully docu-
mented in a separate report of the
same title (see Project Report order-
ing information at back).
Introduction
The National Surface Water Survey
(NSWS) was conducted under the
direction of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). The NSWS, as
part of the National Acid Precipitation
Assessment Program's Aquatic Effects
Research Program, was designed to
characterize surface water chemistry in
regions of the United States believed to
be potentially sensitive to acidic deposi-
tion. The NSWS was composed of the
National Lake Survey (NLS) and the
National Stream Survey (NSS). The NLS
consisted of the Eastern Lake Survey
(ELS) and the Western Lake Survey
(WLS).
Phase I projects of the NSWS were
synoptic surveys designed to quantify the
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chemistry of lakes and streams in areas
of the United States known to contain low
alkalinity waters. Phase II projects were
designed to determine temporal
variability of chemical characteristics of a
subset of Phase I lakes and streams.
Pilot studies were conducted prior to
Phase I projects in order to test
equipment, logistics, and protocols.
The EPA's Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory in Las Vegas, NV,
has been charged with the responsibility
for conducting NSWS field and
processing laboratory operations. Labora-
tory, field sampling, managerial, and
quality assurance (QA) personnel were
provided by Lockheed Engineering and
Management Services Company, Inc.
This report discusses the centralized
processing laboratory operations for the
following 1986 NSWS studies: Spring
Variability Pilot Study (SVS-P), Snowpack
Study, National Stream Survey-Phase I
(NSS-I, and Eastern Lake Survey-Phase II
(ELS-II) spring, summer, and fall seasonal
studies. The objective of SVS-P was to
obtain data describing the spatial and
temporal variability of lake chemistry
during snowmelt. The Snowpack Study
was conducted in order to determine the
relationship between snowpack
conditions and the extent and severity of
episodic lake acidification.
Procedures
Laboratory Preparation
Six mobile laboratory trailers were
constructed for Phase I of the NLS. For
the surveys conducted prior to 1986
(ELS-Phase I, WLS, and NSS Pilot
studies), a field laboratory was stationed
at each field site in order to process
samples as soon as possible following
collection. For logistical and financial
reasons, the six laboratory trailers were
centralized in one location (Las Vegas,
Nevada) for the 1986 surveys. It was
determined experimentally that the maxi-
mum sample holding time could be
extended from 12 to 24 hours. This
extension permitted the overnight ship-
ment of samples to the processing
laboratory. All sample information was
tracked by a communications staff sta-
tioned in Las Vegas, Nevada.
For the centralized laboratory opera-
tions, the staff consisted of a coordinator,
responsible for the overall operation of
the laboratory, one or two supervisors,
responsible for daily operations, and
analysts, who prepared sample aliquots
(for subsequent analyses at contracted
analytical laboratories) and performed
several chemical analyses.
The laboratory supervisor(s) conducted
the training programs. These sessions
included instruction in analytical
methods, laboratory safety, and quality
control (QC) protocols. Analysts were
required to complete a written
examination, undergo medical surveil-
lance testing, and acquire certification in
first aid and cardiopulmonary resusci-
tation. Safety eyeglass and respirator
fittings were required also.
Laboratory Operations
The main function of the processing
laboratory was to process water samples
received from the field and to ship
prepared sample aliquots to a contracted
analytical laboratory for subsequent
analyses. Dissolved inorganic carbon
(DIG), pH, monomeric aluminum, true
color, turbidity, and conductivity were
measured at the processing laboratory.
Two species of aluminum were deter-
mined by flow injection analysis (FIA):
total monomeric and organically bound
monomeric aluminum. The FIA-aluminum
and conductivity methods were newly
incorporated for the 1986 surveys. The
laboratory staff also provided calibration
and quality control check standards
(QCCS), deionized water, and other
supplies to support the field crews.
Each day, the processing laboratory
staff organized supplies and equipment,
prepared reagents and standards, and
calibrated analytical instruments before
samples arrived from the field. The
laboratory coordinator organized samples
into groups (sample batches) by survey
type, then distributed the samples to the
analysts. After sample processing was
completed, the staff prepared the sample
aliquots for shipment to the contracted
analytical laboratories. The coordinator
completed the data forms and forwarded
the information to QA personnel.
Laboratory personnel cleaned the facility
and prepared for the next day's
operations.
Results and Discussion
A total of 3,377 lake, stream, and
snowpack samples were processed and
analyzed during the six surveys con-
ducted in 1986. Samples were prepared
for shipment to the analytical laboratories
within the specified holding time in all
cases.
Based on the good precision and
accuracy of the QCCS results from
previous surveys, the number of samples
that could be analyzed between C
checks was increased for pH, DIG, ai
turbidity methods before the ELS
summer seasonal study. Prelimina
review of the processing laborato
QCCS and audit sample (a sample with
known chemical composition) resul
during the laboratory operations indicat
that the data are of acceptable quality.
Two pH meters were necessary
analyze the large number of sampd
received within the required holding tirr
This necessitated the development of
protocol to monitor the comparability
the pH meters which included tl
addition of an intermeter comparabili
QCCS. Well-characterized lake sample
used as natural audit samples for tl
surveys, were used as the intermet
comparability QCCS during the sprii
surveys. Because the natural auc
samples required approximately C
minutes to reach pH equilibrium and d
not always meet the meter agreeme
criteria, a dilution of the pH calibratk
buffer solution was substituted as tl
intermeter comparability QCCS for ELS
summer and fall seasonal operations.
Instrument and method problerr
delayed the development of a viable Fl
aluminum protocol. The method develo
ment was successfully completed befo
ELS-II summer seasonal operation
including the optimization of tr
calibration procedure, sample flow rate
reagent concentrations, and catio
exchange column. Additional QC mea
ures were instituted and a natural au<
sample was used as a standard
monitor the function of the FIA. The u:
of the audit material was necessa
because no synthetic standard wi
available to monitor measurement of tl
organically bound monomeric aluminu
fraction.
Several modifications in the availab
method and replacement of the co
ductivity cell were necessary for tl
successful measurement of conductivil
High-range methods were developed f
true color and turbidity because the NS
I sample results exceeded the upp
limits of the available methods.
The NSS-I samples were extreme
slow to filter using only fine (0.45 nr
pore size filters. Therefore, the use of
two-stage filtration unit, which includes
coarse prefilter and a fine pore size filt<
is recommended for future large-sea
operations. One day per week should I
dedicated to instrument maintenance. V\
experienced difficulty attempting
process samples and perform tt
necessary equipment upkeep concurrei
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ly. The development of specific daily data
review procedures for each method was
valuable because it reduced the chance
of errors in data reporting.
Conclusions
The centralized laboratory operation
was successful. Samples were prepared
for shipment to the analytical laboratories
within the specified holding time in all
cases. No personal safety incidents
occurred during the laboratory opera-
tions.
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L. J. Arent, M. 0. Morison, and C. S. Soong are with Lockheed Engineering and
Management Services Company, Inc., Las Vegas, NV 89119.
W. L Kinney is the EPA Project Officer (see below).
The complete report, entitled "Eastern Lake Survey - Phase II and National Stream
Survey - Phase I Processing Laboratory Operations Report" (Order No. PB 90-
146 2751 AS; Cost: $17.00, subject to change) will be available only from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA22161
Telephone: 703-487-4650
The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at:
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Center for Environmental Research
Information
Cincinnati OH 45268
\
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
EPA/600/S4-88/025
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