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Musqueam Salmon Stream
Restoration Project
Water Quality Analysis Project 1997
Water Quality Tests
The following tests were completed weekly by the field team.
- pH:
The pH, or concentration of H+, is a measurement of the acidity of the water. A low pH value is very acidic whereas a high pH is very alkaline. A neutral pH value is 7.00. The lowest acceptable pH levels for fish species in the creek system is 4.5 to 5.5. The pH measurements were obtained with a Toledo electro-chemical probe. - Alkalinity:
The alkalinity is a measurement of the acid neutralisation capacity of the water. The alkalinity data used in conjunction with the pH data represents a more comprehensive water quality profile. The alkalinity measurements were obtained with a LaMotte Alkalinity Colourimetric Titration Test Kit. - Oxygen Gas O2:
The O2 is a measurement of the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water. The lowest acceptable O2 level for fish in the creek system is 4 to 5 parts per million (ppm). The O2 measurements were obtained with a Toledo electro-chemical probe. - Water Temperature:
The temperature of the water is important because the concentration of gases, pH, and ion concentration are affected by water temperature. Cold water can hold higher concentrations of dissolved gases than warm water. Fish can tolerate only moderate temperature fluctuations and warm water can kill fish species. Water temperature measurements were obtained with a Toledo electro-chemical probe. - Conductivity/Total Dissolved Solids:
Conductivity is a measurement of the concentration of ions in the water. It is usually proportional to the total dissolved solids in the water. Total dissolved solids refers to dissolved mineral constituents. The range may vary from 20 ppm to 1000 ppm. Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids were obtained with a Toledo electro-chemical probe. - Carbon Dioxide CO2:
Carbon dioxide is a measurement of the concentration of free CO2 in the water which equates to the amount of dissolved CO2 gas in the water. CO2 is an indicator of the health of the ecosystem in that there is a balance of O2 consumed and produced, and CO2 consumed and produced between flora and fauna. If the CO2 levels are too high, then the O2 levels will be too low. The highest acceptable CO2 levels for fish species in the creek system is 10 ppm. The CO2 measurements were obtained with a HACH Colourimetric Titration Test Kit. - Hardness CaCO3:
Hardness is a measurement of the concentration of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the water. The sources are rocks and minerals, primarily limestone, dolomite and gypsum. Hardness can cause scaly precipitates to form in and around the stream. In this region, the watershed overlies a granite rock-bed and the hardness measurements should be relatively low, from 0 to 75 mg/L. The Hardness measurements were obtained with a LaMotte Hardness Colourimetric Titration Test Kit. - Ammonia NH3:
Ammonia is a measurement of the concentration of ammonia nitrogen compounds produced by the denitrification. Excess presence of ammonia can lead to algae bloom and a consequent depletion of the oxygen supply to the fish. The highest acceptable level of ammonia concentration in the creek system is 0.2mg/L (ppm). The ammonia measurements were obtained with a LaMotte Ammonia Nitrogen Colorimetric Test Kit. - Nitrates NO3-:
Nitrates is a measurement of the concentration NO3- , a nutrient, in the water. This nutrient is naturally produced but may accumulate in excessive amounts from anthropogenic sources of fertiliser. Excess nitrates can cause algae bloom and a consequent depletion of the oxygen supply to the fish. The highest acceptable level of nitrate concentration in the creek system is 0.5 ppm. The nitrate measurements were obtained with a HACH Nitrate Colorimetric Test Kit. - Phosphates PO4:
Phosphates is a measurement of the concentration of PO4, a nutrient, in the water. This nutrient is naturally produced but may accumulate in excessive amounts from anthropogenic sources of fertiliser. Excess phosphates can cause algae bloom and a consequent depletion of the oxygen supply to the fish. The highest acceptable level of phosphate concentration in the Creek system is 0.1 mg/L. The phosphate measurements were obtained with a HACH Phosphate Colorimetric Test Kit.
In addition to the above, the field team maintains complete field observations for each site tested including ambient air temperature, weather conditions, slope stability, water clarity, and odours. The team collected water samples for further analysis in the laboratory of the concentration of specific metals. The samples must be refrigerated if they cannot be analysed immediately by the lab. Additional samples are collected on-site for unusual water conditions. Any observations of a fish kill must be reported immediately, and a sample of a dead fish can be collected.
Next: Summary
Index of Musqueam Creek System Topic Links
- Introduction
- Site Location: Maps and Graphics of Basin and Sample Sites
- Field Water Chemistry Tests
- Summary
- Water Testing Cartoons on Musqueam Creek by the Waterose
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