Vernier Water Depth Sampler User Manual
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All plants and animals need phosphates to grow. If the phosphate level in the water is too
high, excessive plant growth is the result. The Phytoplankton will grow out of control until their
own death rate becomes so large that the decay process uses up the available oxygen in the water
and other organisms die from this lack of oxygen. Ideally, rivers and streams have phosphate
concentrations of 0.1 ppm.
Nitrates and Nitrites:
Nitrates also promote the growth of Phytoplankton and when the concentration is too
high, their growth is uncontrolled. The decay of the dying plankton uses up the available oxygen
causing other animals to die.
Nitrites can cause fish to become ill because it reacts directly with the hemoglobin in their
blood, destroying its ability to carry oxygen. Concentrations below 0.06 ppm appear to have little
affect on cold water fish. Since nitrites rapidly become nitrates, they must be considered when
determining the nitrate concentration.
Sample Data Sheet
Experimenter's Name ___________________________________________________________
Date _____________________ Site # _______________________________________
Time _____________________
Weather conditions _____________________________________________________________
Air Temp _________________ Water Temp _____________________
Dissolved Oxygen
_______________
pH Reading
_______________
5 Day BOD
_______________
Phosphate
_______________
Nitrate
_______________
Other
_______________
Trouble Shooting:
Important! Always inspect the connections at each end of the shock cord (latex tubing) before each
use. These connections are fastened with nylon cable ties (available at most electronics hobby shops) and
should be replaced if evidence of wear is observed.
The trigger pin is designed to fit snugly in the hole through the side of the trigger assembly. Once the
sampler is armed, this pin may resist being pulled out of this hole. After several uses, this pin will wear