3.1.1.1 Physical, Chemical
and Microbiological Sampling
Sampling took place on a weekly basis over an eight-week period. The samples were taken mid-stream, mid-depth using clean plastic bottles. For microbiological analysis sterilised glass bottles were used. Grab samples were taken at all times.
Physical parameters were measured in situ, for other parameters samples were taken and analysed in the lab within 6 hours.
All analysis was carried out in duplicate. Instruments used were calibrated before and after use.
3.1.1.2 Ecological Sampling
Both Stone Wash samples and Kick samples were taken from each site for analysis.
A similar sized stone was taken from the riverbed at each site. The stones were washed in white trays and the contents of each tray were then transferred to plastic containers and labelled. These were then taken back to the laboratory for analysis.
Two-minute kick samples were taken at each site, on week 1, one kick sample was taken at each site, on week 2, two kick samples were taken at each site. The contents of the net were transferred to white trays using river water to wash out the net completely. The contents of the trays were then emptied into plastic containers, labelled and taken to the laboratory for analysis.
3.1.2 Analysis
The methods of analysis were taken from “Standard methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater” (20th edition).
3.1.2.1Physical and Chemical
Analysis
Table 3.1.2.1 : Physical and Chemical Parameters and Methods used
|
Parameter |
Instrument/Method |
Units used |
|
Temperature |
Portable D.O Meter |
0C |
|
pH |
pH meter |
pH units |
|
Conductivity |
Conductivity meter |
Micro s/cm |
|
Flow |
Flow meter |
m/sec |
|
Width and Depth |
Meter stick |
m |
|
Colour |
Colourimetric method |
|
|
% Saturation |
Portable D.O Meter |
% |
|
Dissolved Oxygen |
Portable D.O Meter |
mg/l |
|
BOD |
Winkler Metho (5 days,+/- 200C) |
mg/l |
|
Suspended Solids |
Gravimetric Method |
mg/l |
|
Nitrate |
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer @ 220nm |
mg/l NO3-N |
|
Phosphate |
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer @ 880nm |
ug/l |
3.1.2.2 Microbiological
Analysis
Table 3.1.2.2 : Microbiological Analysis and Methods used
|
Parameter |
Method |
Units |
|
Total bacteria (220C) |
Plate Count Method, TSA for 48h (220C) |
cfu/100ml |
|
Total bacteria (370C) |
Plate Count Method,TSA for 48h (370C) |
cfu/100ml |
|
Total Coliforms |
Membrane Filtration, M-Endo for 24h(370C) |
cfu/100ml |
|
Faecal Coliforms |
Membrane filtration, M-Endo for 48h (44.50C) |
cfu/100ml |
|
Faecal Streptococci |
Membrane filtration, M-Enterococcus for 48h (44.50C) |
cfu/100ml |
3.1.2.3 Ecological Analysis
Once in the laboratory, samples were removed from the plastic containers and placed into clear plastic tubes containing 70% Ethanol.
They were then counted and classified using keys.
From the species present in each sample, a quality rating for each site was determined using the Biotic Index scheme “An Foras Forbartha (AFF) Quality Rating (Q) scheme.” Comparisons were also made with other Biotic index schemes.
3.2 Nature Trail Development
Information from the Environmental Protection agency (EPA), Coillte, identification books for trees, flowers etc. and information from the tidy towns committee were the major materials needed for the development of the Nature trail.
Research was also done on the Geology of the area, location maps were obtained and the exact location for the trail was decided upon.
Plants and animals were identified, sketches of the area were drawn and “stops” were marked out along the sketches which showed the best features of the area and the possible areas to be later described in more detail for the trail itself.
Other suggestions and ideas, which may be of benefit to the area, were also noted.
After the initial identification of species, more information was obtained on those chosen for the Nature trail, and using the sketches the trail was developed.