Biological field and laboratory methods for measuring the quality of ...

titative sampling devices.
A special field method that warrants a brief
notation is scuba (Self Contained Underwater
Breathing Apparatus). Scuba enables the biologist
to observe, first hand, conditions that otherwise
could be described only from sediment,
chemical, physical, and biological samples taken
with various surface-operated equipment. Equipment
modified from standard sampling equipment
or prefabricated, installed, and/or operated
by scuba divers has proven very valuable in assessing
the environmental conditions where surface
sampling gear was inadequate. Underwater
photography presents visual evidence of existing
conditions and permits the monitoring of longterm
changes in an aquatic environment.*
By utilizing such underwater habitats as
Tektite and Sublimnos, biologists can observe,
collect, and analyze samples without leaving the
aquatic environment. Scuba is a very effective
tool available to the aquatic biologist, and
methods incorporating scuba should be considered
for use in situations where equipment
operated at the surface does not provide sufficient
information.
*Braidech, T.E., P.E. Gehring, and C.O. Kleveno. Biological
studies related to oxygen depletion and nutrient regeneration
processes in the Lake Erie Basin. Project Hypo-Canada Centre
for Inland Waters, Paper No.6, U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency Technical Report TSOS-71-208-24, February 1972.
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SAFETY
The hazards associated with work on or near
water require special consideration. Personnel
should not be assigned to duty alone in boats,
and should be competent in the use of boating
equipment (courses are offered by the U. S.
Coast Guard). Field training should also include
instructions on the proper rigging and handling
of biological sampling gear.
Life preservers Uacket type work vests) should
be worn at all times when on or near deep water.
Boats should have air-tight qr foam-filled compartments
for flotation and be equipped with
fire extinguishers, running lights, oars, and
anchor. The use of inflatable plastic or rubber
boats is discouraged.
All boat trailers should have two rear running
and stop lights and turn signals and a license
plate illuminator. Trailers 80 inches (wheel to
wheel) or more wide should be equipped with
amber marker lights on the front and rear of the
frame on both sides.
Laboratories should be provided with fire
extinguishers, fume hoods, and eye fountains.
Safety glasses should be worn when mixing
dangerous chemicals and preservatives.
A copy of the EPA Safety Manual is available
from the Office of Administration, Washington,
D.C.