USGS-OWQ: NFM 6.1.3.C: Temperature measurement of ground water

Summary
Analytes
Revision
Data and Sites

Official Method Name

Temperature measurement of ground water

Current Revision

Version 2 (3/2006)

Media

WATER

Instrumentation

Thermometer

Method Subcategory

Physical

Method Source

USGS-OWQ

Citation

National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, Book 9, Chap. A6.1 "Temperature"

Brief Method Summary

Temperature measurement in natural waters must be made on site and in accordance with the designated sampling protocol and data use. Refer to TWRI Book 9 Ch. A6.0 and Ch.A4 for well-purging and sampling guidance, using either a downhole or flowthrough-chamber sampling system. Do not remove sensor from water during measurement.

Scope and Application

Measurement of ground-water temperature at wells

Applicable Concentration Range

-5 to +45 degrees C, minimum range

Interferences

Rapid changes in environmental conditions (sample tubing exposed to heat or cold), on the order of seconds to minutes, can bias the measurement.

Quality Control Requirements

Water temperature must be measured with a thermometer having a calibration certification within 12 months of use. For calibration procedures, refer to section 6.1.2 of the Source citation. In general, the field thermometer (liquid-in-glass or thermistor type) must be certified for accuracy (calibrated) within a 0-to-45 degree C range against a standard NIST-traceable thermometer at least annually or more frequently, as recommended by the manufacturer and depending on frequency of use and environmental conditions to which the thermometer is exposed.

Sample Handling

Temperature of ground water is measured in situ or in a flow-through cell or chamber, using either a liquid-in-glass or a thermistor thermometer that has been calibrated according to USGS protocol NFM 6.1.2. Prevent erroneious readings casued by exposure of the flowthrough-cell system to direct sunlight or other conditions that could cause cooling or heating of the flowing ground-water sample. Allow sensor to equilibrate with ambient water temperature for at least 60 seconds before recording readings. Record the median of at least 3 to 5 sequential measurements.

Maximum Holding Time

zero holding time

Relative Cost

Unknown

Sample Preparation Methods

none

This method has 1 analyte associated with it.

Analyte	Detection Level	Bias	Precision	Pct False Positive	Pct False Negative	Spiking Level
Temperature(E-14540) Temperature	-5.000 degrees Centigrade	N/A	N/A

Precision Descriptor Notes:	The calibration thermometer must be accurate to at least 0.1 degree C and be NIST-certified or NIST-traceable. LIQUID-IN-GLASS: Calibrated accuracy within one percent of full scale or 0.5 degrees C, whichever is less, calibrated against a NIST-certified or -traceable thermometer. THERMISTOR: Calibrated accuracy within 0.1 degree Centigrade, calibrated against a NIST-certified or -traceable thermometer.
Detection Level Note:	LIQUID-IN-GLASS: from -5 to +45 degrees-Centigrade, minimum graduations of 0.5 degrees THERMISTOR: from -5 to +45 degrees-Centigrade, minimum; readout to at least 0.1 degree C, with accuracy +/- 0.2 degrees C.

Precision Descriptor Notes:

The calibration thermometer must be accurate to at least 0.1 degree C and be NIST-certified or NIST-traceable. LIQUID-IN-GLASS: Calibrated accuracy within one percent of full scale or 0.5 degrees C, whichever is less, calibrated against a NIST-certified or -traceable thermometer. THERMISTOR: Calibrated accuracy within 0.1 degree Centigrade, calibrated against a NIST-certified or -traceable thermometer.

Detection Level Note:

LIQUID-IN-GLASS: from -5 to +45 degrees-Centigrade, minimum graduations of 0.5 degrees THERMISTOR: from -5 to +45 degrees-Centigrade, minimum; readout to at least 0.1 degree C, with accuracy +/- 0.2 degrees C.

Revision	PDF/Link
Version 2 (3/2006)

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USGS-OWQ: NFM 6.1.3.C: Temperature measurement of ground water

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