When a storm hits, rivers, streams, and lakes can quickly become contaminated by runoff from streets, fields, and factories. It is important to track these storms because of the potential pollution, but collecting samples during a storm can be tough. Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooded roads can make it unsafe and impractical for collectors, like us, to gather water samples by hand. This season, Friends of Northern Lake Champlain had the ability to utilize ISCO 6712 Automated Samplers with the help of Joe Bartlett and others at Fitzgerald Environmental in Colchester, VT. Joe has been working with these autosamplers since college when he was a research assistant for a graduate student. He familiarized himself with the system and was able to conduct a successful project collecting stormwater samples in Chittenden County.
What Makes Stormwater Sampling So Hard?
Storms bring a lot of challenges for those who need to collect water samples:
Bad Weather: High winds, rain, and even lightning can make it dangerous for people to work outside.
Fast-Moving Water: Storms often cause water levels to rise quickly, creating swift currents that make sampling risky.
Hard-to-Reach Areas: Flooded roads or rising rivers can block access to sampling sites.
Time-Sensitive Information: The sooner water samples are taken, the more accurate the data on pollution levels, which is crucial for responding to stormwater problems.
How ISCO Autosamplers Help
ISCO autosamplers are automated machines designed to collect water samples automatically, without needing a person on-site. "We can then select the bottles we want to analyze based on the storm timing and intensity. The autosamplers can be programmed to start at a specified time, or with appropriate accessories they can be programmed to start sampling once the water level has started to rise. Autosamplers remove a large amount of variability that is inherent with grab sampling during storm events," says Joe of Fitzgerald Environmental Associates. Here's how they make stormwater sampling easier:
1. No Need for Manual Sampling
With ISCO autosamplers, you don’t need to be out in the storm. These machines can collect water samples on their own, after being programmed to pump water into individually numbered sampling bottles (pictured below).
2. Built for Tough Conditions
These devices are built to withstand extreme weather, including rain, wind, and even freezing temperatures. They can be placed in rivers, streams, or stormwater drains and will continue to operate, no matter how bad the weather gets.
3. Real-Time Monitoring
Many ISCO autosamplers can monitor water quality in real-time, tracking things like temperature, turbidity (how muddy the water is), and pH levels. Ours help test for levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. This allows for quick data collection during the storm, helping experts respond faster if pollution levels rise.
4. Remote Access
You can check and control ISCO autosamplers remotely, which is a huge advantage when it’s too dangerous to get close to the sampling site. This means no need to go out in the storm to adjust settings or check data.
5. Preserved Samples for Accurate Results
These autosamplers can keep water samples cool to prevent contamination, ensuring the samples are fresh when they’re brought back to the lab for analysis. This makes sure the data you get is reliable, even if the storm causes rapid changes.
6. Better Decision-Making
The data gathered by ISCO autosamplers helps environmental agencies understand the impact of storms on water quality. With this information, they can make better decisions to protect public health and clean up polluted water faster.
ISCO autosamplers are a game-changer when it comes to monitoring stormwater. They allow water samples to be collected safely, efficiently, and accurately, even in the middle of a storm. By using these automated systems, we can better understand and respond to the impact of storms on our water sources, helping protect the environment and keep communities safe.
Comments