Water Quality
Citizen science for water quality is widespread because there are many accessible tests and simple protocols that communities can implement to actively participate in environmental monitoring. MRT-trained volunteers use test strips to monitor ammonia, phosphate, and nitrate.
Our volunteers are trained as citizen scientists to monitor the water quality of their local rivers. They are given kits to test the water for Nitrates, Phosphates, Ammonia, turbidity and temperature.
Volunteers collect water samples from a sub-catchment to use Hanna Checkers to analyse the ammonia and phosphate levels, to gather a snapshot view of the water quality across the sub-catchment.
Water quality test strips:
The water quality testing only requires a small water sample and can be carried out throughout the year.
Please keep the test strips dry and read the instructions carefully, as the company from which we obtain them occasionally updates its methods for testing phosphate, nitrate, and ammonia. Please dispose of the test strips responsibly.
Uploading Data
Please upload any data you have collected when using test strips for ammonia, phosphate, and nitrate, as well as turbidity, temperature and pollution.
Hanna Checkers
Mersey RT uses Hanna Checkers as a more accurate way of monitoring water quality for phosphate and ammonia. Mersey RT uses Hanna checkers when investigating an area of interest this may be where we have a series of projects or an area river guardians would like to investigate further to identify potential sources of point pollution.
Care for your kit
After each sampling session, rinse your Hanna cuvettes and the electrodes on the pH tester twice in river water and once in distilled water. Avoid using detergents or soap to clean, as this may compromise your subsequent readings.
Tips for using the Hanna checkers
- If the sample contains lots of debris or is very turbid, filter it before analysis
- If you notice bubbles in the cuvette, gently swirl or tap it to remove them
- Always make sure the cuvette is clean and dry before placing it nto the checker: wipe off fingerprints with a cloth
- If any error codes appear, such as low battery(“bAt”), check the instruction booklet provided for guidance on what to do
- In cold weather, the powder reagent may take slightly longer to dissolve, so use a separate cuvette for the blank and reacted samples (C1 and C2) to avoid time-out
WaterBlitzes
Water Blitzes have proven to be an effective method for capturing a wide-scale snapshot of catchment health, with sites strategically located to collect data from multiple tributaries. All this in a very short time, thanks to our amazing volunteers!
Why do a Water Blitz?
The water blitz approach allows us to record the biology and chemistry of rivers while benefiting from local knowledge provided by local citizen scientists. By sampling in small groups across an area on the same day, we can get a snapshot of water quality. This helps us to better identify issues within the area that may be impacting river health. As a citizen scientist, you will be taking action to benefit the rivers and streams that you love
Our Results
Coming soon...