Document Type

Technical Report

Publication Date

3-1-1981

Keywords

Water quality, Forested watersheds, Arkansas, Ouachita Mountains

Abstract

Coshocton wheel samplers, ISCO pumping samplers, and single stage samplers were compared on each of three small (5-6 ha), forested watersheds in the Ouachita Mountains of central Arkansas. The objective of the comparisons was to evaluate the performance of each sampling method in providing reliable samples for measuring concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS). H-flumes and water level recorders provided stream discharge data; a network of recording and non-recording raingages provided preciptation measurements. Rainfall and storm discharges during the study period were unusually low. No samples were collected by the single stage samplers. They appear unsuited for use on small ephemeral headwater streams in the ~achita Mountains because only unusually large storms will provide the depth of flow required to fill the sample bottles. A few of the Coshocton Wheel samples provided eradic and unpredictable measurements of TSS; however, there was generally good agreement between the Coshoston and pumped samples. The ISCO pumping samplers provided data that were more consistent and predictable than that of the Coshocton wheel. The small number of storm events during the study precludes a definite conclusion as to which sampling method is "best". Measurements are continuing.

Report Number

PUB077

Page

14

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