SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1996
STP16582S

U.S. Geological Survey Protocol for Measuring Low Levels of Inorganic Constituents, Including Trace Elements, in Surface-Water Samples

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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has sponsored a number of studies to evaluate its sampling, processing, and analytical procedures for filtered water samples. The major findings of these studies were that surface-water sampling and processing procedures and equipment used in USGS programs were inadequate to produce contaminant-free trace-element data on a consistent basis. This led to development of a new protocol for collecting, processing, and analyzing filtered water samples for the analysis of trace elements at the 1 microgram-per-liter (ug/L) level using “clean” procedures. The protocol specifies (1) supplies, (2) office and between-site cleaning procedures, (3) samplers, (4) sample splitters, (5) use of disposable capsule filters, (6) quality-assurance measures including use of disposable gloves and shelters for sample processing, and (7) quality-control requirements including blanks, replicates, and split samples.

The USGS is now implementing this protocol for all USGS efforts to produce trace-inorganic data at the microgram-per-liter level on filtered water samples. The protocol will also be used for collecting and processing samples for major ions and nutrients when trace-elements are also being determined.

Author Information

Fitzgerald, KK
Office of Water Quality, U.S. Geological Survey, 412 National Center, Reston, VA
Miller, TL
Office of Water Quality, U.S. Geological Survey, 412 National Center, Reston, VA
Horowitz, AJ
U.S. Geological Survey, Peachtree Business Center, Atlanta, GA
Demas, CR
U.S. Geological Survey, Baton Rouge, LA
Rickert, DA
Office of Water Quality, U.S. Geological Survey, 412 National Center, Reston, VA
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Details
Developed by Committee: D34
Pages: 329–342
DOI: 10.1520/STP16582S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5336-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2043-3