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Field Techniques for the Determination of Algal Pigment Fluorescence in Environmental Waters—Principles and Guidelines for Instrument and Sensor Selection, Operation, Quality Assurance, and Data Reporting

Techniques and Methods 1-D10
By: , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/tm1D10

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Abstract

The use of algal fluorometers by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has become increasingly common. The basic principles of algal fluorescence, instrument calibration, interferences, data quantification, data interpretation, and quality control are given in Hambrook Berkman and Canova (2007). Much of the guidance given for instrument maintenance, data storage, and quality assurance in Wagner and others (2006) are also applicable to algal fluorometers, although they are not explicitly discussed. Algal fluorometers have advanced substantially since these guidance documents were published; so that while the basic principles remain unchanged, new guidance is needed. This techniques and methods report is intended to provide additional information on algal fluorescence-sensor calibration, maintenance, measurement, data storage, and quality assurance that meet stated objectives of USGS data-collection efforts. The operations described facilitate and standardize the collection and accurate communication of algal fluorescence data collected by the USGS across studies, sites, and instrument types. This report provides technical background information on algal fluorescence sensors; including specifications, operating principles, key features, and design elements. Maintenance and calibration protocols, quality-assurance techniques, and suggestions for data reporting are presented. Sensor performance issues, common interferences, and strategies for addressing them are also described.

Suggested Citation

Foster, G.M., Graham, J.L., Bergamaschi, B.A., Carpenter, K.D., Downing, B.D., Pellerin, B.A., Rounds, S.A., and Saraceno, J.F., 2022, Field techniques for the determination of algal pigment fluorescence in environmental waters—Principles and guidelines for instrument and sensor selection, operation, quality assurance, and data reporting: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 1, chap. D10, 34 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm1D10.

ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Related Information
  • Principals of Light and Algal Pigment Fluorescence
  • Sensor Design
  • Factors Influencing Observed Fluorescence
  • Fluorometer Reporting Units
  • Calibration
  • Algal Field Fluorometer Use
  • Ancillary Data
  • Quality Assurance Procedures
  • Data Reporting
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Field techniques for the determination of algal pigment fluorescence in environmental waters—Principles and guidelines for instrument and sensor selection, operation, quality assurance, and data reporting
Series title Techniques and Methods
Series number 1-D10
DOI 10.3133/tm1D10
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) California Water Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, WMA - Observing Systems Division
Description vi, 34 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title Section D: Water quality in Book 1: Collection of water data by direct measurement
Public Comments This report is Chapter 10 of Section D: Water quality in Book 1: Collection of water data by direct measurement.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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