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Open-File Report 2008-1208

National Water-Quality Assessment Program

Procedures for Collecting and Processing Aquatic Invertebrates and Fish for Analysis of Mercury as Part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program

By Barbara C. Scudder, Lia C. Chasar, L. Rod DeWeese, Mark E. Brigham, Dennis A. Wentz, and William G. Brumbaugh

Cover Photo

Abstract

Mercury studies conducted as part of the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program have included nationwide reconnaissance samplings of hundreds of stream sites, as well as detailed, process-oriented research at selected sites. These reconnaissance and detailed studies are intended to provide a better understanding of methylmercury bioaccumulation in stream ecosystems over a range of environmental settings. This publication describes trace-element-clean techniques used for collection and processing of aquatic invertebrates and fish to be analyzed for total mercury, methylmercury, and stable isotopes as part of NAWQA studies.

Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Purpose and Scope
Overview of Sampling Approach
Pre-Field Activities
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Sample Collection and Processing
Field Data Forms and Sample Labels
Post-Field Processing Activities
References Cited
Appendix 1. Forms and Labels Used for Sample Collection and Processing of Invertebrates and Fish.
Appendix 2. Equipment and Supplies used for U.S. Geological Survey Mercury Studies of Invertebrates and Fish.
Appendix 3. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Information System (NWIS) Coding of Biological Tissue Samples for USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) Mercury Studies.

Forms

Field data sheet for invertebrate tissue samplesPDF, 142 KB
Field data sheet for fish tissue samplesPDF, 141 KB
Invertebrates: mercury and stable isotopes sample labelPDF, 423 KB
Fish: mercury and stable isotopes sample labelPDF, 423 KB
Fish: otolith analysis for ageing labelPDF, 423 KB
Invertebrates: total mercury and methylmercury analysis submission formPDF, 154 KB
Invertebrates: stable isotopes analysis submission formPDF, 156 KB
Fish: total mercury and methylmercury analysis submission formPDF, 154 KB
Fish: stable isotopes analysis submission formPDF, 153 KB
Fish: age analysis submission formPDF, 152 KB
Wisconsin Mercury Research Laboratory request for analysis formPDF, 27 KB
Wisconsin Mercury Research Laboratory cooler inventory formPDF, 15 KB
Fish: age analysis submission formPDF, 152 KB
Equipment and supplies used for USGS mercury studies of invertebrates and fishPDF, 41 KB

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Send questions or comments about this report to the author, B.C. Scudder, (608) 821-3832.

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