A Simple Water Collection Device for the Analysis of Water Quality and Dissolved Gases.

A simple device, consisting of a jar fitted with an inlet comprised of a gas-tight check valve and 2-way ball valve outlet connected via rubber tubing to a portable peristaltic pump, was constructed to collect water samples. A headspace void for dissolved gas analysis was created by enclosing silicone tubing sealed with rubber stoppers within the jar. The device was deployed in a 0.4 ha lagoon that served as the primary waste recipient of a 2,000 head farrowing operation as well as a 4,000 ha impoundment reservoir. The water samples were incubated overnight to allow dissolved gas to equilibrate across the silicone tubing and the next day, the water was analyzed for dissolved CH4, anions, cations, organic carbon and nitrogen content. Lagoon wastewater samples were analyzed for malodorous compounds as well. We were able to demonstrate clear differences due to depth and season in water quality indicators and in dissolved methane content. Results indicate that this is an effective way to collect water samples for analysis without atmospheric contamination or loss of dissolved gases.