Collect Sample

Volunteer Sample Collection

If a volunteer detects a potential HAB occurrence and submits a photo, they will also need to collect a water sample, and preserve it for future microscopic analysis to confirm the presence or absence of cyanobacteria and toxins. Volunteers will be mailed a sampling kit with supplies for multiple samples. Contact ouhabsurvey@gmail.com for additional supplies if needed.

Collection Protocol

  • Review supplied checklist and have the appropriate gear
  • Label your tubes with your lake name and date
  • Travel to the area of concern
  • Either wade into the lake or travel by boat to the affected site
  • Please do not collect more than one water sample per week, unless there is a highly suspicious algae occurrence.
  • Label a 50 mL sampling tube

1. Use a Sharpie to label your tube prior to collecting a sample. Please use the following label in all uppercase letters:

2018-mmdd-Lake Name (Example: sampling Ford Lake on May 14, 2018: 2018-0514-FORD). Record label on datasheet.

  • If surface scum is visible

1. Take a 50 mL plastic conical tube, unscrewed, and skim the tube across the scum layer to the 50 mL line.

2. Carefully pour 10 mL out to obtain about 40 mL of water sample + scum in the tube.

3. Screw the cap on securely.

  • If surface scum is NOT visible

1. Take a labeled 50mL plastic conical tube unscrewed.

2. Invert the tube with open end facing down towards the lake.

3. Submerge the tube down to ~20 cm in depth.

4. Flip the tube, letting the water fill the tube.

5. Screw the caps on while sampling tube is submerged.

6. Pour 10 mL out to obtain about 40 mL of water sample in the tube.

  • Open a snap-cap tube filled with Lugol's solution (5 mL) and pour into the 40 mL sample. Securely close the 50mL plastic tube and invert 2-3 times for thorough mixing. (***Caution: Lugol's solution will stain fabric).
  • This sample should be stored at room temperature away from light.

RECORDING DATA

We have included datasheets for each sample in the kit. Please record the information to the best of your ability. The following are notes on some of the fields:

  • Closest street address: Write the closest mailing address to the location of the sample collection.
  • Wind Speed, Direction, Water Temperature, Air Temperature: These fields are OPTIONAL. If you have the means to obtain this information easily, please include it. Ultimately, the photo and water sample are the important things.