USGS-NAWQA: NAWQA Algal QMH 2002 (Wade): Algal Sample Collection at Qualitative Multihabitat (QMH) in wadeable streams by SG-92 (and other instruments)
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Official Method Name
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Revised Protocols for Sampling Algal, Invertebrate, and Fish Communities as Part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program |
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Current Revision
| 2002 OFR 02-150 |
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Media
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Biological (Waterbody type - Wadeable stream) |
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Instrumentation
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Algal sampling devices |
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Method Subcategory
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Population/Community |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Protocol
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USGS NAWQA 2002 Eco Protocols - Revised Protocols for Sampling Algal, Invertebrate, and Fish Communities as Part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program |
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Brief Method Summary
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Qualitative multihabitat (QMH)—A series of different habitats identified in a reach from which discrete collections of algae or invertebrates are taken and later combined to form a composite sample. The composited sample is referred to as a "QMH sample." The QMH sample consists of both micro- and macroalgal sample components, each of which is only processed in a taxonomic laboratory to determine algal taxa that are present in the sample. Epilithic habitats are sampled by using one of three methods depending on the types of rock substrate being sampled. The SG-92 is a modified syringe-sampling device and performs best on smooth cobble surfaces with moderate-to-dense coverage of microalgal periphyton. The "top-rock scrape" method is used for sampling irregular cobble surfaces or when cobble surfaces have sparse periphyton coverage. The gravel sampler is used when sampling microalgal periphyton attached to gravel substrates. |
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Scope and Application
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This method describes the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) protocol for algae sampling, specifically Periphyton Multiple Habitat (AQMH). It is one protocol of the larger USGS Open-File Report 02-150. QMH sampling protocols are described in section 4.4 of the report. The full report summarizes the protocols report provides revised protocols for sampling algal, invertebrate, and fish communities as part of the NAWQA Program. The protocols describe required methods for collecting and processing biological samples. This report revises the original NAWQA protocols for algae (Porter and others, 1993), invertebrates (Cuffney and others, 1993), and fish (Meador and others, 1993; Walsh and Meador, 1998). |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Interferences
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Quality Control Requirements
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Additional (10–20 percent) subsample splits can be prepared for CHL A, AFDM or POC, and ID subsamples to evaluate precision of subsample preparation and laboratory analysis. Replicated sampling within the reach can be used to evaluate the variance in algal community structure. |
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Sample Handling
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Preserve the sample with buffered formaldehyde. Ship in coolers containing dry ice and frozen CHL A and AFDM or POC subsample filters. Coolers should be shipped within a day or two after the subsamples are prepared because of a 25-day holding-time limit on the subsamples. Subsamples can be temporarily stored in freezers (at -20°C) at the field office over weekends. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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25 days |
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Relative Cost
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Unknown |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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Combine micro- and macroalgal sample components for the QMH sample. |
