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MERC – DRAFT Test Plan
5
after filling of each mesocosm (< 15 minutes), physical parameters of the water will be measured
(see below), and then the precise samples volumes described below will be collected for each
biological and water quality categories by gravity draining through a bottom valve and tubing.
Each mesocosm has been calibrated and marked with known volumes to assure accurate sample
collection. Each mesocosm will also be rinsed thoroughly with potable water for a minimum of
three times after each use and kept clean and dry between uses.
MERC test and sampling system on the
Cape Washington
.
Quantifying Physical Conditions:
Temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll fluorescence, and pH will be
measured every 15 minutes during the test trials by two identical multi-parameter probes
(calibrated according to manufactures specification) placed, one each, into the control and test
tanks. A third hand-held instrument will be used to measure temperature, salinity, and dissolved
oxygen of water in each replicate sample (described above) as it is collected.
Initial inline samples (three replicates, 500 ml each) of ballast water during the filling of
the control and test tanks will also be collected, filtered, and analyzed for the water quality
parameters of particulate organic carbon (POC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and total
suspended solids (TSS). Sample analyses will be conducted using standard US EPA methods by
the certified CBL/UMCES Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory (www.cbl.umces.edu/nasl).
Details can be found in “Protocols for Verifying the Performance of In Situ Chlorophyll
Fluorometers” ACT PV05-01 (www.act-us.info/evaluation_reports.php).
Quantifying Viable Organism > 50 µm in size:
Exactly 1 m
3
of water from each replicate (n=5) initial, control, and treated mesocosm
will be drained through a 35 µm (50 µm diagonal dimension) plankton net to concentrate the
zooplankton for examination under a dissecting microscope. The proportion and total
concentration of live versus dead organisms will be determined using standard movement and
response to stimuli techniques and this live/dead analysis will take place within 2 hours of
collecting the individual samples. Depending on concentrations, quantification of zooplankton
in initial samples (upon ballasting) and control samples may require analysis of sub-samples and
extrapolation to the entire 1 m
3
. Zooplankton samples will then also be fixed with buffered, 10%
formalin in 125ml Nalgene bottles and shipped to the SERC for additional taxonomic