Pang citizen science monitoring

About

The Pang is a Chalk Stream and tributary to the Thames at Pangbourne. Testing is performed by trained volunteers fortnightly at 5 locations, led and supported by Action for the River Kennet.

Water testing protocol

CHEMICAL TESTING:

HI-98312 EC, TDS and Temperature Tester, High Range (hannainstruments.co.uk)
 Water temperature (˚C)
 Total dissolved solids (ppm)
 Conductivity (µS/cm)

HI-3874 Nitrate test kit (hannainstruments.co.uk)
 Nitrate (mg/L)

Readings are given in Nitrogen-Nitrate (mg/l)
Method Colorimetric
Range 0-50 mg/L
Smallest Increment 10 mg/L
Chemical Method Cadmium reduction

HI-713 Low Range Phosphate Checker for Saltwater and Freshwater Aquariums | Hanna Instruments UK
 Phosphate (mg/L)

Adaptation of Standard Methods for the Examination of water and wastewater. 20th edition, Ascorbic Acid method. The reaction between phosphate and the reagent causes a blue tint in the sample.

HI-700 Ammonia Low Range Colorimeter - Checker HC (0.00 to 3.00ppm) (hannainstruments.co.uk)
 Ammonia (mg/L)

Range 0.00 to 3.00 ppm NH3 -N
Resolution 0.01 ppm
Accuracy ±0.05 ppm ±5% of reading @25 °C/77 °F
Light Source Light Emitting Diode @470 nm
Light Detector Silicon Photocell Method Adaptation of the ASTM Manual of Water and Environmental Technology, D1426, Nessler Method.

HI-98103 Pocket Checker pH Tester (hannainstruments.co.uk)
 pH

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L)
Fisherbrand Traceable Portable Dissolved Oxygen Meter Pens Dissolved 0xygen | Fisher Scientific

BACTERIAL TESTING:

E.coli Dipslide: Plate Count (PCA) + MacConkey 3 (with MUG) Dipslides (Box of 10) (dip-slides.com)
 Total viable count (cfu/ml)
 Total coliforms (cfu/ml)
 Escherichia coli (cfu/ml)

Areas monitored