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during the test trials by automated meters located on the control track, treatment track, and on the
discharge line. Pressure readings are also recorded every 15 seconds throughout the facility.
Samples for water chemistry and water quality analysis can be collected during intake, tank retention and
discharge and will be specified in the test plan. The water chemistry and water quality parameters that are
measured are also specific to the treatment technology being evaluated, and will be detailed in each test
plan.
In addition, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll, conductivity, and salinity are measured
regularly throughout the retention period by two identical multi-parameter sondes (calibrated according to
manufactures specifications) placed, one each, into the central mid-water of the control and test tanks. A
calibrated, hand-held sonde may also be used to measure temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity,
conductivity, chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen from the control sample collection tubs, the pre-treatment
sample collection tubs, and the post-treatment sample collection tubs during intake. These parameters
may also be measured during discharge from the control and treatment sample collection tubs. The
specifics of these measurements will be detailed in the test plan.
Continuous (time-integrated) sampling occurs at a fixed rate during uptake and discharge to assure the
highest statistical confidence in results (see Miller et al., 2011). Two sampling assemblies reside in a
modified, bow-mounted 20-foot shipping container with garage-doors, lights, outlets, and other
alterations. One sampling assembly is dedicated to each tank and pump/pipe array. Sample flow is
available in every ballast-operation mode. Pressure at sample-points is similar to pump-discharge pressure
except post-vendor which may be 6 or 7 psi lower. Ballast system operator will maintain sample-point
pressure sufficient for sampling rates of between 3 m
3
/hour and 10 m
3
/hour without need for additional
sampling pumps. Sampling rates are monitored via precise magnetic flow-meters logging their data to a
process-control system. Rate adjustments occur via diaphragm valves allowing fine-grain adjustments.
The >50 µm biota fraction are removed from sampling flow via 35 µm square-pore water-suspended net-
collectors. Continuous (time-integrated) sampling occurs during uptake or discharge events, as required
by ETV and IMO protocol. Wastewater from this process is directed to overboard drains. Whole-water
samples (not sieved) are taken for the 10 µm to 50 µm biota and water quality assays. They also are time-
integrated.
All samples collected to quantify live organisms or water quality will be taken by inline sampling of
water during the entire filling or discharge of water from the tanks through sample ports located on
appropriate filling or discharge pipes. All sample ports include a valve and sample tube with a 90
o
bend
towards the direction of flow, placed in the center of the piping system (based on the design developed
and validated by the US Naval Research Laboratory, Key West Florida, see ETV protocols).
B.3.
Sample Handling and Custody Requirements
Each sample from the Mobile Test Platform will be labeled with a unique sample identifier code to ensure
proper identification in the field and/or tracking in the laboratory. These codes are used for the sample
containers, field and laboratory data sheets, logbooks, chain of custody forms, and database entries.
Sample labels are prepared and placed on sample collection containers prior to sample
preparation/collection.
All samples will be handled, prepared, transported and stored in a manner so as to minimize bulk loss,
analyte loss, contamination or biological degradation using methods as described in the specific Test Plan
and/or according to the procedures presented in specific SOPs for the method in question.