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Exploring a low tech, low cost method for volunteer phosphorus monitors

This project explores a low-tech, low-cost method using transparency tubes for volunteer monitoring of phosphorus in the Lake Allegan/Kalamazoo River watershed in southwest Michigan. The results inform the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) program and improve the sustainability of volunteer monitoring efforts. The study examines sampling frequency, locations, and methods, and provides training for volunteers. The transparency tubes are easy to use, inexpensive, and require no maintenance or calibration.

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Exploring a low tech, low cost method for volunteer phosphorus monitors

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  1. Exploring a low tech, low cost method for volunteer phosphorus monitors Integrating research and extension in a southwest Michigan TMDL watershed Jane Herbert, Dean Baas and Nicole Reid MSU Extension Land & Water Program W. K. Kellogg Biological Station

  2. Lake Allegan/Kalamazoo River phosphorus TMDL project • CSREES water quality project goals • Characterize the fate and transport of phosphorus in the watershed • Results inform volunteer phosphorus monitoring effort • Things to consider: • Sampling frequency • Sampling locations • Sampling method • Volunteer training

  3. Why transparency tubes? • Growing popularity of transparency tubes • Inexpensive • No maintenance, batteries or calibration • Easy to use • Ohio and California– turbidity and total suspended solids • Anderson, P. and R. D. Davic. Lake and Reservoir Management 20(2) • Dahlgren, R., Van Nieuwenhuyse, E., and Litton, G. California Agriculture 58(3) • Potential to estimate total phosphorus • Improve sustainability of TMDL volunteer monitoring effort (low cost, low maintenance)

  4. Exploring the possibility Summer 2005 Side-by-side sampling (10 weeks at 13 locations) 120 cm tube Reference “end point” as it comes into view.

  5. No universal relationship

  6. (ug/l)

  7. Training volunteers to use transparency tubes. Training “end point” as it comes into view.

  8. What we’ve learned so far • Training volunteers is relatively easy • Use reference buckets (need for standards) • Reference reader • Minimize lead time • Re-read buckets periodically • Time of day/stable ambient light conditions • Practice rounds • Track individual progress and skill building • Allow for additional time • Schedule periodic skill testing and updates

  9. 2006 TMDL growing season (April – September) • Pilot network of 12 volunteers • Paired with cooperating municipal waste water laboratories • Assigned locations • Sample on the same day every other week • Not necessarily side-by-side

  10. What we’ve learned so far • Strong relationship between TP & transparency • Lower transparency waters • Slower response to precipitation events • Ambient light may influence readings • Cold water, warm day & condensation • Side-by-side may be necessary to verify tube • Variations in time of day and ambient light • Response to runoff events

  11. What we’ve learned so far • Transparency tubes can estimate total phosphorus at certain locations • Can help locate trouble spots

  12. (ug/l)

  13. Pennfield Road

  14. Why transparency tubes? • Low cost, low tech • Surrogate for lab analysis • Certain water quality parameters • Certain locations • Certain conditions • Well trained volunteers • TMDL monitoring more sustainable • Quick way to locate problem areas • May have on-farm applications

  15. Questions?We gratefully acknowledge the following entities for their support • CSREES Water Quality Program • MSU Extension Water Area of Expertise Team

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