Making the Most of Field-Measurable Ground Water Quality Parameters |
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| Authors: | Stuart Garner P.E. |
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| Affiliation: | Stuart Garner received a B.S. in engineering science in 1976 and an M.S. in environmental health engineering in 1984, both from the University of Texas at Austin. He has worked for the Hydrolab Corp. (Box 50116, Austin, TX 78763) for more than 10 years and currently is manager of engineering. His work experience includes researching dissolved oxygen sensors, and design of water quality instrumentation for ground waters and natural waters affected by acid precipitation. |
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| Abstract: | The primary ground water quality parameters temperature, pH, Eh, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen must be measured in the field, though not necessarily in situ, to avoid errors caused by contamination such as aeration. These measurements, when made during the purging of a well, can be used to verify aquifer-representativeness of a sample, detect abnormalities within an aquifer, check laboratory measurements to detect sample deterioration, and prompt further monitoring actions.
Electronic sensors are available for reliable field measurement of the primary parameters. Measurements should be made continuously in an in-line flow cell that is sealed from the atmosphere. Flow can be provided by a bladder pump dedicated to a single well. Samples for laboratory analysis should be collected when the values of the primary parameters do not vary more than 10 percent per casing volume pumped. |
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