Sampling protocol guide

Pesticide Watch sampling protocol

1. Carefully assess your site each sampling day to identify any hazards.
2. Standing back from the stream edge, rinse a bucket or other plastic collector by lowering it into the stream, then emptying it downstream. Repeat this rinsing of the container 3 times. Now collect some stream water. Move to a safe distance from the stream bank.
3. Rinse the syringe by filling it with the collected water and then discharging the water onto the ground nearby. Repeat this twice more.
4. Fill a full syringe with collected water then screw the syringe filter onto the syringe.
5. Prime the syringe filter by discharging approximately 10 mL of stream water through it (do not collect this water)
6. Your sample tubes are numbered 1–12, so begin by identifying the appropriate sample number. Discharge a small volume (around 5 mL) of filtered stream water into the collection tube. Reattach the lid of the collection tube and shake to thoroughly rinse. Empty this water from the collection tube.
7. Discharge between 35-40 mL of filtered stream water into a collection tube. When more water is needed, detach the syringe filter to draw up more stream water before reattaching it to collect the remainder of the sample.
8. Use the marker pen to label the samples with the date.
9. Freeze the samples when collection is complete.
10. Samples should be mailed back in batches of three. When you have collected three frozen samples, place them (1) in a resealable bag, then (2) in a provided padded envelope, and (3) in an A4 reply-paid envelope provided. Where possible, please post this on a Monday to reduce time between postage and delivery.