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 ------- 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 ------- 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. ------- 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 000085833 PS 0 S EMVIfi PiOTECTION AGEiCT REGIOM 5 LIBRARY 230 S DEARBORM STREET CHICAGO IL 60604 ------- |