CARIWIN Hydrometeorology and Water Quality Field Course October 1st – 12th, 2007
Jointly delivered by: Brace Centre for Water Resources Management, McGill University Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, Barbados Hydrometeorological Service, Min. of Agriculture, Guyana Guyana Water Incorporated CARIWIN Logo Introductions
• Field Course Delivery Staff – CIMH – Guyana Ministry of Agriculture – GWI – Brace Centre for Water Resources Management
• Attendees – Name – Place of employment – Job title/tasks What do you want to learn from this course? Brace Centre for Water Resources Management
Background/Past and Present Projects Outline
• History: McGill University • Background: Brace Centre for Water Resources Management • Past and Present Projects McGill University
• Oldest university in Montréal (found in 1821)
• Two campuses
• 11 faculties
• Some 300 programs of study
• More than 32000 students Macdonald Campus
• Located on the western tip of Montréal Island • 650 hectares of facilities and fields • Location for Brace Centre for Water Resources Management Brace Centre for Water Resources Management
Mission Statement
“The Centre is devoted to the development and promotion of sound economical water management and conservation practices which protect the environment, and land and water resource base, in order to sustain food and fibre production, and enhance quality of life.” Where does the name come from?
• Major James Henry Brace (1870-1956): civil engineer who devoted much of his career to water and construction projects in the USA and Canada
• Initial goal: use research to find ways to desalinize sea water and bring large quantities of water to arid lands for food production and rural development
• Vision for a better quality of life by providing water and food to rural communities History of the Brace Centre
Originally Titled • Brace Research Institute (circa 1959) • Centre for Drainage Studies (1987)
• Merged in 1999 to form the Brace Centre
• Broader focus on all aspects of Integrated Water Resources Management Multi-Disciplinary Research
• Approximately 18 researchers from following faculties:
– Agricultural and Environmental Sciences – Engineering – Science – Law – Management Activities
• National and international research projects
• Long term training (undergraduate and postgraduate)
• Technical assistance (water quality monitoring, hydrometeorology, irrigation, water management)
• Short term specialized training (in Canada and overseas)
• Policy studies Areas of Specialization
• Drainage and irrigation systems • Water quality assessment in rural areas • Soil and water conservation • Modeling and GIS for water resources and watershed management • Impacts of climate change on water resources and greenhouse gas emissions • Hydraulics and fluid mechanics • Geotechnical engineering and remediation of contaminated soils • Human health impacts associated with irrigation and drainage • Institutional, legal and financial reform of water institutions • Water users associations Brace Projects Water Table Management
WTM: Involves managing a steady water table depth, shallow enough that crops may access the available moisture. The water table is managed through drainage and irrigation within subsurface drains. Buildings N
75 m
15 30 m m Block C Block B Block A
Legend: Conventional Free Drainage Water Table Management( WTM) Buffer FD Buffer WTM Water table observation pipes Water Table Management (Con’t)
Why Study This? • Effect on crop yields • Effect on water quality (N, P) and drain flow • Effect on emissions of
N2O gas from soil Water Table Management (Con’t) Results/ Conclusions • N concentrations decreased with WTM • P concentrations increased with WTM – led to increased P loading despite producing less outflow
Average P loads (kg P/ha) in tile drainage from May to October 2005
0.120
0.100
0.080 TP 0.060 TDP
P loads Orthophosphate 0.040
0.020
0.000 Free drainage WTM Drainage treatment
• Field results supported by laboratory column experiments Water Table Management (Con’t)
Why did P loss increase under WTM system?
Hypothesis Prolonged anaerobic conditions in WTM fields altered Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), therefore affecting the solubility of P
Objectives To understand how P is released or broken down into its constituent forms under WTM, and to understand the role that ORP plays Water Table Management (Con’t) Field Results ORP PO4 Al Mn Fe pH (mV) (mg/l) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) WTM 44 7.30 0.085 2.4 19.7 27.4 FD 204 6.91 0.017 2.1 0.6 16.8 Statistic 0.4985 analysis < 0.0001 < 0.0001 < 0.0001 < 0.0001 < 0.0001 NS P level Lab Results
6.00 400
300 5.00 200 4.00 100
3.00 0
(mg/L) -100 2.00 (mV) (ORP) -200 1.00
-300 Concentration of soluble PConcentration 0.00 -400 potential Oxidation-reduction 0 10 20 30 40 50 Duration of Incubation (days) PO4 ORP Water Table Management (Con’t)
• Fe and Mn correlated with soluble P loss 7000 6000
5000 R2 = 0.8945 Fe 4000 Mn
μg/L 3000 Linear (Fe) Linear (Mn) 2000 R2 = 0.9675 1000 0 0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 Concentration of soluble P (mg/L) Conclusions • Anaerobic conditions caused by WTM reduce the ORP resulting in the transformation of Fe & Mn bound P to
soluble PO4 Field-Scale Water Quality Monitoring & Modeling
Purpose Limit eutrophication of lakes and streams Objectives • Monitor nutrient and sediment loading from surface runoff and subsurface drainage waters • Identify factors that result in nutrient loss • Identify BMP’s that are effective at reducing nutrient loading Field-Scale Water Quality Monitoring & Modeling (Con’t) Instrumentation
Depth Sensor H - Flume Composite Auto-Sampler
Datalogger Weather Water Table Subsurface Station Measurement Flow meter Field-Scale Water Quality Monitoring & Modeling (Con’t) Results • Subsurface drainage is the main pathway for water transport from the field (80%)
• On average P and sediment losses occurred mostly through surface runoff
• Majority of N loss is through the subsurface drainage system
• Soil P concentration and saturation is an important factor governing P loss, however soil texture and structure appear to be more important Field-Scale Water Quality Monitoring & Modeling (Con’t)
Seasonal Phosphorus Loads • SWAT model results were Spring Summer Fall Winter 1.75
reliable across all seasons 1.50 for both dissolved and 1.25 1.00
particulate phosphorus – it 0.75 Load (kg/ha) Load underestimated sediment 0.50 0.25
and N loading 0.00 Measured Simulated Measured Simulated Measured Simulated Measured Simulated
Site #1 Site #2 Site #1 Site #2
Particulate P Dissolved P Site | Season
• According to SWAT, the BMP Simulation Results: Crop Rotation and Tillage Scenarios Mean Annual Total Phosphorus Loads (kg/ha) recommended BMP Conventional Conservation No Till
Pasture scenario for reducing non- 4.0 CornMono 3.5 Alfalfa 3.0 point phosphorus pollution 2.5 2.0 1.5 CornSoyGrnPast Corn2Past2 was a 5 year rotation of 1.0 0.5 corn with 2-3 years of 0.0 pasture Corn2SoyGrn Corn2Alfalfa2
Corn2Soy2 Corn3Past
Actual Modification to the P-Index P Index: An assessment of the source and transport factors for P on agricultural landscapes – used to determine the risk of P loss Objective • To develop an easy to use software based P-Index for Quebec farmers based on local field data **The software is currently being developed** Constructed Wetland for P Removal Objective • Study the P removal efficiency of constructed wetlands Design • 0.12-ha • Inflow (5 L/s) • Analyze N and P Constructed Wetland for P Removal (Con’t)
Walbridge Wetland - 2003 : Average Annual TP concentration Results 140
120 2003 – 33% P reduction 100 80 Stream Inlet 60 Sed 40 Walbridge Wetland - 2004 : Basin Zig-zag Average Annual TP concentration (µg/l) TP concentration 20 90 Outlet 80 0 70 Sampling Point 60 Stream 50 2004 – 40% P reduction 40 Inlet 30 Sed Walbridge Wetland- 2005 Basin Average Annual TP concentration (µg/l)
20 Zig-zag TP concentration (µg/l) TP concentration 10 120 Outlet 0 100 Sampling Point 80 Stream
60 Intake
Sed 40 Basin 2005 – 44% P reduction TP Concentration (µg/l) Zig Zag 20 Outlet
0 Stream Intake Sed Basin Zig Zag Outlet Sampling Point Solar Power Drip Irrigation
• Meteorological data (Tmax, Tmin, & precipitation) used to predict solar radiation, photovoltaic (PV) electrical output, and water output
• Model predictions are compared with observed data
30.00 • Good correlation between 25.00 observed and calculated 20.00 15.00 radiation and electrical output 10.00
5.00
Calculated RsCalculatedm-2(MJ d-1) 0.00 0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00 30.00 35.00 40.00 Observed Rs (MJ m-2 d-1) Adaptation to Climate Change – Tender Fruits Goal To derive future methods of efficient water application and water conservation
• Estimate crop water Projected Changes in Temperature (C) requirements for St. Catharines, Ontario peaches and grapes 35 under different climate 30 25
scenarios 20 • Predict irrigation needs 15
10 Maximum Temp (C) Temp Maximum under a range of future 5 0 climate scenarios April May June July Aug Sep Growing Period
• Develop mechanisms to Base Climate (1971-2000) SDSM-HADCM3 A2 2020s(2010-2039) SDSM-HADCM3 A2 2050s(2040-2069) assist producers in adapting to these changes Adaptation to Climate Change – Tender Fruits (Con’t)
• Predicted changes between Wet days (frequency) now and 2020: 40 35 • Increase in temperature 30 25 observed (approx. 1.5°C) 20 2020
%days 15 • Increase in total monthly 10 5 precipitation 0 Apr May June July Aug Sep • Decrease in precipitation days
but increase in the intensity of Simple Daily Intensity Index (SDII) precipitation from April - 14 September. 12 10 • Crop water requirements will 8 observed 6 2020 increase from 5.5 mm/day to 4 6.5 mm/day during the hottest 2 0
month (July) mm avg. precipitation per day Apr May June July Aug Sep Climate Change and Frost Occurrence Goal To predict the occurrence of frost in the future and investigate methods to adapt to this change • Apples, strawberries, peaches, grapes
• Evolution of frost occurrences during the last century
• Predictions for 2050
• Frost protection techniques (sprinklers, wind machines) adapted to the predicted frost types Water Scarcity in Central Asia Problem Intensive irrigation for cotton production led to the drying of the Aral Sea Goal To increase food security & identify adaptations to drought Proposed Adaptations New cropping systems, deficit and alternate furrow irrigation, mulches, plastic tunnels and water metering Water Scarcity in Central Asia Preliminary findings
• Legumes can be grown after wheat harvest with minimal water requirements • Current irrigation recommendations for green gram are excessive and lead to yield losses • Deficit and alternate furrow irrigation save water depending on the crop • Use of plastic tunnels gets produce to market earlier- better prices Determining Irrigation Needs - Canada Problem Climate change and increasing competition for water resources is limiting water supply therefore, careful management of water use is essential Goal Evaluate various soil moisture sensors ability to assist with irrigation scheduling, thereby reducing water consumption. Also, provide training on sensor installation and operation. Determining Irrigation Needs - Canada Preliminary Results Determining Irrigation Needs - Canada
• Positives and negatives of each soil moisture technology will be detailed • Document which soil moisture technology is most suitable for certain regions/farms • Potentially develop a real time soil moisture/irrigation management system An Introduction to Water Quality Outline
• Hydrologic cycle and sources of pollution • Surface and groundwater quality • Environmental guidelines, water quality standards • Source water protection Hydrologic Cycle
Source: Iowa State University Sources of Pollution • Impacted by 3 main sectors: municipal, industrial and agricultural
Source: MDDEP Pollutants of Concern
• Municipal Sector: – Nutrients – Pathogens – Pesticides – Pharmaceuticals
• Industrial Sector: – Nuclear – Thermal – Heavy metals – Nutrients
• Agricultural Sector: Source: LCBP Source: BBC News – Nutrients – Pathogens – Pesticides
Source: EOEarth Surface and Subsurface Water Abundance
Source: U of M Drinking Water Sources
• Groundwater is stored in large aquifers beneath the soil surface • Groundwater has been the preferred source for drinking water, because the quality tends to be better than surface water • Advancements in the water treatment process have increased the use of surface water as a drinking water source Access to Safe Water
• Estimates suggest that nearly 1.5 billion people lack safe drinking water and that at least 5 million deaths per year can be attributed to waterborne diseases (U of M).
Source: world bank group Drinking Water Quality Guidelines • Obtained from WHO – http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/gdwq3rev/en/index.html • Water treatment facilities use this guide as a reference. Some regions have even lower tolerable concentrations of certain pollutants.
Example: 12.94 Nitrate and nitrite Nitrate and nitrite are naturally occurring ions that are part of the nitrogen cycle. Nitrate is used mainly in inorganic fertilizers, and sodium nitrite is used as a food preservative, especially in cured meats………
Guideline value 50 mg/litre to protect against methaemoglobinaemia in for nitrate bottle-fed infants Drinking Water Quality Guidelines
Does this mean that our drinking water is safe?
**What about the rural population who are largely serviced by privately owned wells!!!** SWP: A Canadian Perspective
SWP: One part in the multi-barrier approach which is the protection of natural surface and ground water sources for the purpose of securing safe drinking water for the future. From Source to Tap SWP
Water Treatment
Water Distribution
Source: Pollution Probe SWP: A Canadian Perspective
SWP occurs at the watershed level
Source: Pollution Probe SWP: Administration
SWP is administered in conjunction with the federal government, provincial government, conservation authorities, interest groups and local municipalities. e.g.: ON, Canada How to Meet the Goal of SWP?
Answer: Address the issues of pollution within each watershed from each sector
Municipal • Impose discharge regulations on wastewater treatment facilities • Impose regulations on septic tank installation and promote the upgrade of dated septic tanks • Land planning / Zoning
Industrial • Impose discharge regulations • Permit to pollute tax programs
Agricultural • Nutrient management regulations • Promote BMP’s • Fill in abandoned wells Source: Iowa State University Summary: Video Water Quality Monitoring: Fundamentals Outline
• Monitoring water quality • Water quality parameters monitored • Instruments used for monitoring water quality • Exercise Why Monitor Water Quality?
5 Reasons:
1. characterize waters and identify changes or trends in water quality over time 2. identify specific existing or emerging water quality problems 3. gather information to design specific pollution prevention or remediation programs 4. determine whether program goals -- such as compliance with pollution regulations or implementation of effective pollution control actions -- are being met 5. respond to emergencies, such as spills and floods Water Quality Monitoring Scenarios
• From fixed sites (long term data) – Fixed interval – Varied interval (flow or time dependent) • From random sites • From specific sites after an event (i.e. chemical spill, or implementation of a BMP or regulation Water Quality Characteristics • Based on 3 criteria: Physical, Chemical and Biological Characteristics
Physical Characteristics • Includes turbidity, colour, taste, odour and temperature measurements – Turbidity: The clearness of the water, as affected by suspended solids • Measured in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Nephelometric means that the measurement has been arrived at through the estimation of light absorption. • The more turbid a water, the less light there is available for photosynthesis – Colour: The presence of colour in water • Ideal colour is colourless for drinking water • Affected by suspended solids, usually organic constituents – Taste: The presence of a taste in water • Drinking water quality measurement • Is affected by the presence of dissolved inorganic substances (i.e. Mg, Ca, Na, Cu, Fe and Zn) – Odour: The presence of odour in water • Often Affected by the presence of organic constituents – Temperature: The temp. of surface waters at their respected depths • Effects the level of dissolved oxygen and metabolic rate of aquatic fauna • Most fish species require a temp. range of 5-20°C and a DO concentration of 5 g m-3 Water Quality Characteristics Chemical Characteristics • Includes all organic and inorganic dissolved and particulate constituents. Dissolved constituents may exist as ions or dissolved gasses. The presence of these compounds in turn effects the pH, salinity and hardness of water.
– pH: A measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of the water relative to the ionization of pure water • Measured on a scale of 0-14 with 7 being neutral (pure water)
• The more H+ ions in the water the more acidic the solution is and therefore lower pH • Healthy pH range for surface waters = 6-8 • pH is important because it effects the level of photosynthesis by aquatic flora. Lower pH allows more CO2 to remain in solution (and not transformed to carbonate or bi-carbonate) and therefore accessible by the flora. Water Quality Characteristics Chemical Characteristics (Con’t) – Salinity: The saltiness or dissolved salt content of a body of water 2- 2 -) • The concentration of ionic constituents (CO3 , SO4 , Cl dissolved in water – Hardness: Water which has a high mineral content • Measured based on the presence of ions of the metals Ca2+, Mg2+ and Fe2+ in the water • Drinking water quality measurement – causes scaling, soap scum. Water Quality Characteristics Biological Characteristics • The abundance and distribution of aquatic life (microscopic viruses, bacteria and protozoans; as well as phytoplankton, zooplankton, insects, worms, large plants and fish can be used as indicators to determine the health of a water body.
Key Indicators – Blue-Green Algae (bacteria): Microscopic in size, however, when a large outbreak is present, it may be seen as a blue-green haze. Toxins produced by the cyanobacteria have caused death of wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets which have consumed the contaminated water. The toxins can produce a painful rash on human skin. – Fecal Coliforms: Bacteria which live within the intestines of mammals. Presence of it in water indicates that sewage is present. Can be fatal if consumed by humans. Source: Univ. of Toledo Water Quality Instruments
Turbidity
• a secchi disk is a manual method used to measure Water Level turbidity • scientist measures the depth at which the secchi disk is no d longer visible • relative scale • procedure is not standardized • cheap method Water Quality Instruments
Turbidity (Con’t) • Campbell Scientific Hydrolab Surveyor-4a
- Hand-held device - Multi-probe (pH, DO, salinty, EC, TDS, ORP) - 0-3000 NTU detection - GPS capability - $$
• Campbell Scientific Turbidity Monitor – OBS- 3PLUS
- Permanently fixed - 0-4000 NTU detected by the backscatter method Water Quality Instruments
Temperature • Regular old Thermometer
- portable - variable depth - cheap • Quanta P Hydrolab
- portable device -Variable depth (100m max) - -5 to +50°C detection - multi-purpose (DO, EC, pH, salinity) - $$ Water Quality Instruments
Temperature • Campbell Scientific 107B
- fixed device (submerged up to 50’) - Thermistor technology - -40 to +50°C detection - $$ • Campbell Scientific Infrared Radiometer
- fixed device - -15 to +60°C detection - $$ Water Quality Instruments pH, EC, ORP Salinity • Litmus Paper
- portable - cheap - simple
• EUTECH Cyberscan pH620
- portable -Multi-parameter (pH, [ion], EC, ORP) -$$ Water Quality Instruments
Metals, Nutrients, etc. **Most often, measurements are done in the lab** • Hach DR 5000 Spectrophotometer
- used for metals, nutrients, hydrocarbons - lab bench top -$$ **However, technology is available for in field measurements** • Hach HSA-1000 Analyzer
- used for Pb & Cu - portable - instant results - $$ Water Quality Instruments
• Hach DR/890 Portable Colorimeter
- 90+ parameters - portable - instant results - moderately $$$ • Datalink Auto Analyzers
- parameter specific (N or NH3 or P)
- fixed location
- instant results (5 sec)
- very $$$ Water Quality Instruments
Algae • Campbell Scientific Hydrolab Surveyor-4a
- Hand-held device - instant results - measures Chlorophyll a using a submersible fluorescense sensor - Multi-probe (pH, DO, salinty, EC, TDS, ORP) -GPS capability - $$ Water Quality Instruments
Fecal Coliforms **Most often, measurements are done in the lab by the Membrane Filtration Procedure**
Source: Free Your River • We will be working with a testing kit later today!!!! Water Quality Instruments
Fecal Coliforms • Research International Analyte 2000 -Fiber Optic Fluorometer -Portable device - near instant results (15 min) - Very $$ References
BBC News. 2001. Sewage Limits Harm Swimmers Health. Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/1672207.stm Encyclopedia of Earth (EOEarth). 2007. Agricultural Pesticide Contamination. Available at: http://www.eoearth.org Free Your River. 2007. Fecal Coliform Bacteria. Available at: http://www.freeyourriver.net/index.php?cid=6589&folder=63442&modul=10 Iowa State Univesity. 2007. Healthy Lands, Healthy Streams: Riparian Management Systems. Available at: http://www.buffer.forestry.iastate.edu/Photogallery/illustrations/illustrations-1.htm Lake Champlain Basin Programs. 2007. Lawn to Lake. Available at: http://www.lcbp.org/ Ministere de Developpement, Durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs (MDDEP). 2007. Sources of Water Pollution. Available at: http://www.menv.gouv.qc.ca/ Pollution Probe. 2004. Source Water Protection Primer. Available at: http://www.pollutionprobe.org/Reports/swpprimer.pdf University of Michigan (U of M). 2007. Water Pollution and Society. Available at: http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution.htm World Bank Group. 2007. Access to Safe Water Map. Available at: http://www.worldbank.org/depweb/english/modules/environm/water/map1.html University of Toledo. Microcystis. Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com Water Quality Monitoring: YSI Multiparameter Probe Outline
• Background • Data collection • Software interface • Uploading data • Interpreting results • Maintenance and care • Hands-on exercise Background YSI 556 MPS Handheld Multiparameter Instrument Source: www.ysi.com • Simultaneously measures DO, pH, conductivity, temperature, ORP and barometric pressure (optional) • Field-replaceable electrodes • Compatible with EcoWatch® for Windows® data analysis software • Stores over 49,000 data sets, time and date stamped, interval or manual logging • Three-year warranty on the instrument; one-year on the probes • GLP assisting, records calibration data in memory • Available with 4, 10, and 20-m cable lengths • IP-67, impact-resistant, waterproof case • Easy-to-use, screw-on cap DO membranes • RS-232 interface for PC connection
Health & Safety
Buffer/Calibration Solutions • Some contain harmful chemicals (i.e. formaldehyde, potassium ferriccyanide, etc.)
Batteries • Ensure proper disposal of all batteries • Do not tamper with the batteries • Keep batteries away from small children
Consult the Owners Manual for a Complete Guide Features – Front View Features – Back View
Batteries • 4 C cell alkaline batteries – operational for 180 continuous hours • To reset device: remove batteries and then reinstall Main Menu Screen Menu Flow Chart
Main Menu Options
Secondary Options YSI 5563 Probes • Measures DO, temperature, conductivity, pH and ORP Calibration Procedure
Note: All sensors except Temp. require periodic calibration to maintain accuracy Procedure 1. Turn on unit 2. Press Escape to access the Main Menu 3. Select Calibrate 4. The following screen appears 5. Proceed by following the specific instructions for each parameter (from owners manual- pg 41-55) Reading Measurements • The Run screen displays data from the sensors in real-time and allows you to log or store the data • Fully immerse the probes in the water when taking measurement • Rapidly, yet carefully move the probe through the water • Watch the readings on the display until they stabilize, then take your measurement Logging Measurements
Procedure
1. Select Logging Setup from the Main Menu screen 2. An interval of 1sec-15min is permitted 3. If desired, barometer measurements may be stored 4. Site specific measurements are possible Upload Procedure
• Disconnect the YSI 5563 probe module from the 566 MPS device • Connect the YSI 556 MPS to a serial (Com) port of your computer via the YSI 655173 PC Interface Cable Software Interface
• EcoWatch is used as the software Interface – Windows based – Free download at: www.ysi.com – Registration required – no purchase necessary Data Retrieval
Procedure
• Within EcoWatch select the File menu button and locate your saved project – select it
The following display will appear Viewing Data-Interpreting Results
Procedure
1. You can display both graphical and tabular results by selecting the and buttons, respectively • You can view statistical data for the study by selecting the buttons Interpret Results (Con’t)
• The time period for interpretation can be modified by selecting the delimiter button • This examines the selected period in higher resolution Exporting Results
• Results may be exported to another spreadsheet management program such as MS Excel • First, the .dat file must be saved as a .cdf file so that MS Excel can recognize the file • To do this select the icon from the toolbar and save the .dat file to a .cdf file – this file can now be opened by MS Excel Maintenance and Care DO Sensor • For best results, we recommend that the KCl solution and the membrane cap be changed at least once every 30 days • If erratic readings or evidence of membrane damage occurs, you should replace the membrane and the electrolyte solution. The average replacement interval is two to four weeks. • The silver anode on the sensor may become coated with AgCl – this can be cleaned either mechanically or chemically (pg 102). • The gold cathode may become tarnished – this can be cleaned mechanically (pg 103) • To keep the electrolyte from drying out, store the sensor in the transport/calibration cup with at least 1/8″ of water. Maintenance and Care pH/ORP Sensor • Cleaning is required whenever deposits are visible on the sensor glass or platinum finishes, or when response time is slow. Most often the problem can be fixed by: 1. Removing the sensor from the probe module. 2. Simply using clean water and a soft clean cloth, lens cleaning tissue, or cotton swab to remove all foreign material from the glass bulb and platinum button. Then use a moistened cotton swab to carefully remove any material that may exist.
Note: If this doesn’t work consult the owners manual (pg 105). Maintenance and Care Temperature/Conductivity Sensor • Cleaning is required on a frequent basis. Most often the problem can be fixed by: 1. Inserting the cleaning brush (from maintenance kit) into clean water and then inserting it into each hole 15-20 times. 2. Then rinse the cell thoroughly with clean tap water or deionized water.
Note: If this doesn’t work consult the owners manual (pg 107). Maintenance and Care Storage Proper storage preserves the life of the sensors and allows for quick and easy operation of the machine when required.
Short-term: place approx. 1/2 inch of tap water in the transport/calibration cup and by placing the probe module with all of the sensors installed into the cup.
Long-term: Refer to the owners manual (pg 111) for instructions. Hydrometeorology Measurements and Monitoring Outline
• Brace project overview: Instruments used • Instrument specifications • Hands-on exercise: Set-up instruments • Site maintenance and care Agricultural Water Quality Monitoring • Field-level monitoring • Includes instrumentation for both surface and subsurface drainage losses (Flow and Quality) • Flow and quality is essential in order to calculate loads (kg/ha/yr) Water Flow Instruments Water Quality Instruments & Climate Instruments Water Flow Instruments
Surface Runoff • Runoff exits field through a flume
H-Flume Trapezoidal Flume • Discharge is determined based on a rating curve specific for the flume type and dimensions • The required input variable is height of water (stage) Water Flow Instruments
• The stage is primarily measured by a Campbell Scientific SR50 installed directly above the flume
• SR50’s are an acoustic digital sensor that measure the time between emission and return of an ultrasonic pulse • The ultrasonic beam is cone shaped and emits at an angle of 22° Water Flow Instruments • The backup sensor for stage measurement is a Campbell Scientific Keller-173 submersible pressure transducer
• Measures pressure above the bottom of the sensor and automatically converts that into a depth of water • Automatically adjust pressure for temperature differences • Used for surface water or ground water applications Water Flow Instruments
Subsurface Drainage • Subsurface drainage exits the field through the tile drainage system
• Discharge is measured by an Endress and Hauser Prosonic flow meter • Measurements are logged by the datalogger Water Quality Surface Runoff • Surface runoff samples are taken automatically by American Sigma 800 samplers • Capable of taking discrete or composite samples, based on bottle configuration • Is compatible with CS dataloggers, and therefore sampling patterns can be developed in the datalogger program • Samplers have an optional feature of being refrigerated, for monitoring of temperature dependent parameters Water Quality Subsurface Drainage • Subsurface drainage sample are taken automatically by Global Waters WS 300 samplers • Capable of taking discrete or composite samples, based on bottle configuration • Is compatible with CS dataloggers, and therefore sampling patterns can be developed in the datalogger program Water Sampling Strategy
Discrete vs. Composite
• More accurate analysis of event • Less accurate analysis of event • More lab analysis required • Less lab analysis required • More expensive • Less expensive Water Sampling Strategy Geometric vs. Constant
Gagnon- Dec 23, 2006 Hydrograph Gagnon- Dec 23, 2006 Hydrograph
30 1.4 30 1.4 Precipitation Precipitation 1.2 1.2 25 Subsurface Drianage 25 Subsurface Drianage 1 1 20 20 0.8 0.8 15 15
0.6 0.6 Flow (l/s) Flow
10 (l/s) Flow 10 Precip. (mm) Precip. 0.4 0.4 (mm) Precip.
5 0.2 5 0.2
0 0 0 0 Time Time
Sample Volume (mm of runoff Cumulative Volume (mm of Number over surface area) runoff over surface area) 1 0.2 0.2 2 0.2 0.4 3 0.2 0.6 4 0.2 0.8 5 0.2 1.0 6 0.2 1.2 7 0.2 1.4 8 0.2 1.6 • Allows for comparison of results • Constant discharge between samples across all sizes of storms • Better for small events (more samples) • Can miss the falling limb of the • Now used for both surface and subsurface hydrograph during small events Climate Instruments
Propeller based wind anemometer for measuring speed and direction
Kipp and Zonen Silicon Pyranometer used to measure incoming solar radiation
Vaisala RH and temperature probe – shown with a required radiation shield Data Storage/Retrieval
• The sensors take measurements every 5 seconds and the average value is stored as 15 minute data in a datalogger
or in a storage module STORAGE MODULE
CELLULAR MODEM
• Data may be retrieved from the datalogger/storage module, directly or indirectly Hands-on Exercise – Instrumentation
Goal: Set-up a small gauging station in the classroom Components: • CR205 Datalogger - Power supply – 12V battery • P-109 Temperature sensor • SR50-M Ultrasonic depth sensor Procedure 1. Mount the equipment in a secure location 2. Connect the battery to the datalogger 3. Connect the computer to the datalogger via RS-232 cable 4. Click on Short Cut from the Loggernet toolbar 5. Select New Program and follow the wizard 6. View the wiring diagrams and wire the sensors to the datalogger 7. Select which data you want to log and how you want to log it • Save the program file in a location easy to access
8. Test the conntection with the datalogger • Select Connect from the Loggernet toolbar Procedure
9. Once connected: • Check the date and time • Check that the correct program is running • Check the sensor outputs by selecting the Numeric Data Display button – Add the desired fields if necessary
The gauging station is now operating and the data will be saving to the datalogger. We will be downloading and processing the data at a later date! Site Maintenance and Care
PRIORITY #1: Ensure that all data is being collected • Periodically monitor incoming data for non-functioning sensors PRIORITY #2: Ensure that all data collected is quality data • Periodically examine incoming data for accuracy (do the values look “normal” – Be critical when examining data and use the results to plan your future site visits Site Visit Procedure 1. Check data for presence/accuracy either on site directly or through a communications system – are the batteries ok!! 2. Take spot measurements on site and check sensors to see how they compare (if different, adjust the correction factor in the program and adjust the past data as needed) 3. Clear vegetation away from sensors (rain gauges, depth gauges, etc.) that may be causing faulty readings 4. Observe moisture indicators inside of datalogger box and change the desicant packs and desicant vent tubes as required 5. Pick-up or take water samples for analysis, or use YSI to take a water quality measurement 6. Take detailed/clear field notes and document any need for future work on-site Database Management Outline
• Hydrological and meteorological data monitoring • Hands-on exercise: Use of Loggernet software for downloading data Data Monitoring
• Part art, part science!!!
– Artistic: Need to be artistic at envisioning how to examine your available data – Scientific: Need to be very critical, or scientific when making sense of the available data and bringing about any necessary changes Downloading Data: Procedure 1. Open Loggernet – Click on Connect from the toolbar Downloading Data: Procedure
2. Select the “test site” from the list of available sites and click Connect 3. In the data collection box click Custom Collection – Ensure that the ASCII,Table Data, collect all since last collection and append to end of file functions are selected – Define the location to save the data Downloading Data: Procedure
4. Open the data file in wordpad to view the contents; it should look similar to this:
THIS IS NOT A CONVENIENT FORMAT TO PROCESS DATA FROM Data Output – Split Data
• Data in the .dat format is “split” so that it can be easily manipulated and analyzed From Loggernet, open Split
Select input *.dat file
Select array to split Data Output – Split Data
Set the output file.
Select “run” and then “go” from the drop down menu Data Output – Split Data • Splitting data converts the data from *.dat format to *.prn format which can then be opened with EXCEL.
NOTICE how each data output does not have it’s own cell. To make it have its own cell - highlight the entire first column and select “text to columns” from the drop down menu in the “data” heading In the box that pops-up select “Next” 2 times making sure that the dividing lines are appropriate and then select “Finish”.
The data will each have its own cell now, and will be ready for processing The Link Between Hydrology and Water Quality Outline
• Case studies from Canada • How to estimate loads • Hands-on exercise: Simple use of EXCEL to Process WQ/flow data in order to estimate loads Canada: Hydrometric Stations • Currently there are 2981 active hydrometric stations in Canada • 1443 of these stations transmit its data in near real-time to the web for public use • This data is used for: – Aquatic Ecosystem Research – Climate Change Research – Flood Forecasting – Floodplain Management – Forest Management – Infrastructure planning and design – Irrigation and Drainage – Operation of Dams and Reservoirs – Regional water management – Transportation/navigation – Water quality studies – Water supply studies Guyana: Hydrometric Stations/Studies Discussion What is the current extent of stream gauging/flood forecasting in Guyana?
Where can Guyana improve in its water quantity/quality monitoring?
What water quantity/quality issues are of priority to Guyana?
How can Guyana start to address these water related issues? Canada: Case Study #1
The Flathead River Watershed Study (B.C.): Long-term water flow and quality monitoring for the determination of benchmark conditions and changes in trend – Flows monitored since 1980 – 2004 & water quality from various years – Use the results as a planning tool when assessing the level of impact a new industry or infastructure (forestry, agriculture, dam/resevoir) will have on the water quality/quantity – This water quality monitoring program is not objective specific or research based How it was monitored
• Flows in the Flathead river were monitored continuously by an electronic gauging station producing hourly data
• Water samples were taken weekly and analyzed for the various elements (i.e. Al, As, Be, Cd, Ca, Cr, Co, Cu, F, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni, N, P, Si, Zn), temperature, turbidity and pH Hydrology Results
Period of no data Barium Results
Period of no data Chromium Results
Period of no Period of no data data pH Results
Period of no data Flathead River Study: Conclusions
• The long-term monitoring allows for the determination of “normal” pollutant levels
• It allows for assessment of the environmental Impact of existing and proposed land use changes (i.e. agriculture, mining, forestry, pulp and paper, etc.)
More Information regarding this study may be found at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wat/wq/quality/flathead/flathead_river_wq_2004.pdf Canada: Case Study #2
Pockwock Lake Water Quality Assessment: Effects of Forest Harvesting on Surface Water Quality (Nova Scotia) – Examined surface water quality during pre and post harvest activities – Looked at 4 sub-watersheds from the Pockwock Watershed and 4 sub- watersheds from the Five Mile Lake Watershed – 1 sub-watershed was a “control” from each watershed, and the other 3 sub-watersheds from both watershed were 17-40% clearcut leaving buffer zones around water courses. – The treatments were as followed:
Pockwock Watershed Five Mile Lake Watershed Sub-basin #1 = no cutting (control) Sub-basin #1 = no cutting (control) Sub-basin #2 = 20 m buffer (no cutting) Sub-basin #2 = 20 m buffer (no cutting) Sub-basin #3 = 20 m buffer (selective harvest) Sub-basin #3 = 20 m buffer (selective harvest) Sub-basin #4 = 30 m buffer (selective harvest) Sub-basin #4 = 30 m buffer (selective harvest) Water Quality Parameters of Concern
• Wanted to determine if the water was becoming acidic, eutrophic or laden with silt as a result of forest cutting • They monitored pH, conductivity, colour, nutrients, chlorophyll, major ions, and heavy metals • Sampling was conducted from 1999 to 2000 (pre-harvest), 2001(during harvest) and 2002-2003 (post harvest) at a monthly interval • Sampling locations were chosen in such a way as to compare the buffered sites with the control sites
Map on Next Page Sampling Locations • Both in lake and stream
Peggy Cove Brook: Control Watershed Moose Cove Brook: Treated Watershed Results
• There was no difference in the water quality between the control and treated sub-watersheds • Believe that there BMP’s (buffer strips) are effective at reducing the negative effects of logging on surface water quality • Researchers stated that they would have changed their methodology if performed this study again.
Can you guess what they would have done differently?
More Information regarding this study may be found at: http://map.ns.ec.gc.ca/forest/www/en/docs/006-technote6-lakes.pdf Brainstorm Session • Think of a water quantity and/or quality problem in your region that you are familiar with and draft a “simple” plan as to how you would study the problem
– Don’t forget to state the problem, goal, objectives (how you will study the problem) Concentration vs. Loads
• Sediments, nutrients and metals are typically measured in units of mg/L (ppm) or µg/L (ppb) • This only gives you a “snap-shot” of the concentration at that time • Concentration is all that is required for a lot of water quality applications (lake studies); however loading is more useful in a number of circumstances (river studies) • In order to determine pollutant loading, continuous flow monitoring is required Pollutant Loading Formula Load = Concentration x Flow
Example Question
A hydrometric station monitored flows for one complete year in a river. The mean annual concentration of nitrate in the river was determined to be 12 mg/L and the average flow was determined to be 800 L/sec. What is the yearly nitrate load (in Kg) at this hydrometric station? Why are Loads Important?
• By calculating loads, the full story is revealed: low concentration x high flow = HIGH LOAD; low concentration x low flow = LOW LOAD • Allows for planning of how to solve the water quality problem; strategy will focus on reducing concentrations or flows • Loads are an easily measured output and are useful when setting water quality goals (i.e. TMDL) and also for assessing results Activity: Calculating Loads/Processing Data
• Work with flow/water quality data from a Brace research project • 1 season of data (Summer 2006) • Follow along at your own computer or observe on the screen Outline
Goal: From the “mock” field notes, the raw precipitation and flow data and the water quality analysis report we are going to set up a simple database in EXCEL to calculate loads for the Summer 2006 season
• The files you need are in the WQ_Activity folder • 2 Water Quality Files (06400080 & 06400110) • Raw Data • Field Notes Procedure 1. Open the Raw Data file • Insert date columns • Create macro in column A to identify the start of every day • Add a comment to the macro field identifying the macro short-cut 2. Freeze panes so that headings are visible 3. Insert rows for more heading title space • Add title headings • Add units to the title headings 4. Add a separator (blank column) 5. Insert processed surface runoff flow data headings • i.e. Spot Meas., Offset, Adjusted Stage, Q ft3/sec, Q L/sec 6. Add spot measurements from the field data – Adjust the flow by adjusting the offset 7. Set the rating curve and convert the flow from ft3/sec to L/sec Procedure 8. Apply conditional formatting to the Q (L/sec) column to identify periods of surface runoff flow 9. Add Volume (L) and Comments columns and distinguish between false flow and actual flow in the Comments column 10. Equate the total volume (L) of flow in each 15 minute interval in the Volume column for the periods where there is actual flow 11. Add Total Volume (L) and a Total Depth (mm) column and equate these values for each event 12. Add Sample Code, Volume (L) and Depth (mm) corresponding to the sample 13. Examine field notes and enter the sample code in the Sample Code column for the appropriate date and time Procedure
14. Equate the volume and depth of the events associated with each sample 15. Add totals at the bottom of the file to compare the total volume of flow with the total volume of flow associated with a sample – the difference should be very small 16. Truth the precipitation data • Add a column spacer, another Precipitation column a Precipitation Spot Meas. column and a Precipitation Since Last Visit column • Examine the field notes and enter the manual rain gauge measurements into the Precipitation Manual Meas. column • Sum the rainfall since last visit in the Precipitation Since Last Visit column and compare the spot manual gauge measurement with the tipping bucket rain gauge measurement – they should be similar Procedure
17. Create a new worksheet Water Quality Data_Loads – Bring in water quality results from lab sheets; check for accuracy!!! • Transfer Volume (L) associated with each sample into the Water Quality Data_Loads worksheet • Add load/average columns and equate • Sum the load or average each water quality parameter for the entire season Course Summary Outline
• Discussion session • Feedback from participants • Closing remarks