Protocol for
Diatom Sampling

Put on the gloves provided.

Dip the alkalinity testing strip provided directly into the river for 10 seconds. Compare the colour to the chart provided and note the results on the data sheet.

Collect 5 small-medium rocks from the riverbed and place into a plastic tray.

A plastic tray can be provided for an additional fee.

Using the large pipette, rinse the rocks with river water, leaving some water in the tray.

Use the toothbrush provided to scrub each rock for approximately 30 seconds, periodically using the pipette to rinse with water from the tray.

Repeat step 5 for all of the rocks collected.

Use the large pipette to thoroughly mix the water in the tray.

Collect 5ml of the resulting water, with the pipette, and transfer into the sample tube provided.

Cap the tube and invert to mix the water with the preservative solution.

Complete the data sheet (sample record) and place into the kit bag with the sample for return to the lab.