thumbnail

Preparation and Analysis Methods for Fish Tissue Collected from Lake Koocanusa, Montana

Open-File Report 2025-1034
By: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251034

Links

Abstract

Lake Koocanusa, a reservoir, receives mine wastes from metallurgical coal mines in the Elk River Valley of British Columbia, Canada. Selenium and other elements discharged by the mines into the waters of the United States can pose unknown risks to aquatic life. The U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center can collaborate with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and other State and Federal agencies to design studies and to collect fish tissues to help fill this knowledge gap. This report describes the processes, techniques, and methods used to collect and analyze fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa; and procedures used to review and manage data, including quality assurance and quality control procedures used by the U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center and supporting analytical laboratories. These fish tissue collections began in 2021.

Suggested Citation

Schmidt, T.S., Bussell, A.M., Moloney, M.A., Dunnigan, J.L., Selch, T.M., Brandt, J.E., Stricker, C.A., Stewart, A.R., Kocen, V.A., Cleveland, D., Blazer, V.S., Janssen, S.E., Ogorek, J.M., Dunn, M., McBride, T.L., Adams, K.B., Colman, B.P., Young, M., and Christensen, J., 2025, Preparation and analysis methods for fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa, Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2025–1034, 16 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251034.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Purpose and Scope
  • Approach
  • Field Sampling and Design
  • Initial Sample Handling and Field Documentation
  • Preparing for Dissection
  • Fish Dissection
  • Sample Documentation and Chain of Custody
  • Sample Preparation
  • Sample Analyses
  • Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedures
  • Data Quality Objectives
  • Data Quality Assessment
  • Data Management and Reporting
  • Data Processing and Validation
  • Health and Laboratory Safety
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Collection and Processing Flowchart
  • Appendix 2. Job Hazard Analysis
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Preparation and analysis methods for fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa, Montana
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2025-1034
DOI 10.3133/ofr20251034
Publication Date July 08, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
Description vii, 16 p.
Country United States
State Montana
Other Geospatial Lake Koocanusa
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details