TM98-09 Invertebrate Sample Field Processing and Shipment to the NWQL

This memorandum contains guidelines for field processing of NAWQA invertebrate samples and their shipment to the National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL). The guidelines were prepared by the QMH Committee (members: Tom Cuffney, Steve Moulton, Terry Short, and Jim Carter) following the development of two new, cost effective methods for processing RTH and QMH samples. The NAWQA Ecological Operations Team and Marc Sylvester reviewed and approved the technical information contained herein. Guidelines consist of 1) a new procedural requirement, 2) changes to original NAWQA field procedures and 3) reminders of specific aspects of the original NAWQA field protocol. For additional information please refer to Methods For Collecting Benthic Invertebrate Samples Collected As Part Of The National Water Quality Assessment Program by Cuffney, Gurtz, and Meador (1993), U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 93-406, v + 66 pp. The purpose of this memorandum is to update Study Unit biologists on procedural issues relating to the field processing and shipment of invertebrate samples to the Biological Unit (BU). Compliance will ensure that the BU can process NAWQA invertebrate samples cost-effectively and consistently, resulting in the timely release of data to the Study Units.