Research Methods Water samples for all the tests except for dissolved oxygen and turbidity are collected using one liter bottles that are filled with water. Water samples for dissolved oxygen are collected directly in the bottles provided in the LaMotte test kits. The Secchi depth is measured from the end of the dock. The water samples are analyzed for temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates, and Secchi depth. The date, time, air temperature, weather conditions, wind speed and direction, and tide stage are recorded.
Salinity is determined using a hand held refractometer.
A pH measurement is determined using a hand held pH meter. This meter is calibrated weekly. Dissolved oxygen is taken using a LaMotte test kit. The kit employs the modified Winkler method. This kit uses the modified A.P.H.A. cadmium reduction.