Wabash Sampling Blitz
On Friday, September 18th, 2009 WREC hosted the first ever Wabash Stream Sampling Blitz. More than 180 volunteers monitored over 210 stream sites. Participants collected water samples and measured stream temperature on-site. Samples were analyzed for nutrient, metal, and general field parameters using test strips at the event. Additional samples were filtered and stored on ice for analysis in Purdue University's Soils Lab. WREC and our volunteers completed the first spring sampling blitz on Friday, April 9th.
WREC would like to thank all of our volunteers especially those facilities that offered the use of their space for staging our volunteers: Purdue University for the Beck Agricultural Center, the Tippecanoe Soil and Water Conservation District for use of their parking lot, and the Town of Independence for use of Independence Park.
Sample Sites
Volunteers sampled 210 stream sites on Friday, September 18th between 3 and 5 p.m. and sampled the same sites as part of the Spring 2010 Sampling Blitz on April 9, 2010. Note: Fall 2009 samples were collected under extremely low flow conditions. Flows in the Wabash River measure in approximately the 25 percentile of historic flows. A map of the sites sampled is available here.
Sample Analysis
Volunteers filtered a portion of their water samples at our three staging locations. Samples were also analyzed for nitrate/nitrite, orthophosphate, copper, and pH using test strips. A portion of the sample was filtered for analysis at Purdue University's soil laboratory. The analyses included orthophosphate, nitrate/nitrite, ammonia, and carbon. Several parameters were repeated in the laboratory to further refine field-collected data. A subset of samples were also analyzed for E. coli.
Preliminary sample results are presented on a subwatershed basis. This means that the entire area which drains or contributes to the sample point is shown. Further review of the data will allow WREC and our project partners to identify specific locations where water quality issues could be located.