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Planning water quality surveillance

Date

1972-02

Authors

Vanderholm, Dale H., author
Skogerboe, Gaylord V., advisor
Hansen, Ralph W., committee member
Longenbaugh, Robert A., committee member
Kruse, Gordon E., committee member
Sabey, Burns R., committee member

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Abstract

Two models were developed to evaluate the effective-ness of grab sampling methods in water quality data acquisition. One model was used to predict the detection of significant short term pollution events or quality variations. Several combinations of sampling frequency and location were tested with events of varying magnitude and duration. The second model was primarily used to predict the effectiveness of grab sampling to obtain what can be termed base level type data. For this type of data, the primary concern is the accuracy of observed means, trends, etc., with regard to the true values. The basic variable evaluated was system effective-ness as a function of sampling frequency. In the first case, system effectiveness was represented by the ability of the sampling combination to detect pollution events generated along a hypothetical stream depicted in a mathematical model. For the second case, effectiveness was measured by the accuracy of observed mean parameter values using various sampling configurations. Each data type was handled separately throughout the study. As an example for use of the study results, a surveillance system for the South Platte River Basin in Colorado was planned. Networks of primary and secondary sampling stations were proposed for obtaining regulation type and base level type data, respectively. Cost-effectiveness curves for both types of stations were developed for use in planning surveillance levels. The nature of the problem prevented verification of the models by field studies or similar methods. The sensitivity of the detection model solutions to certain variable changes was tested, with the results indicating negligible effects. However, the results presented are not intended to be taken as absolute values for any stream situation. The extreme variability of natural streams and of pollution sources prevents general solutions from accurately predicting values under individual circumstances.

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Subject

Water quality management

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