How are these data used?
Water samples are used to collect data for four chemical and two human health indicators.
Acidification is measured by testing for acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC), the ability of a water body to reduce the effect of a strong acid. Sufficient ANC in surface waters will prevent large changes in pH levels. Some fish and macroinvertebrates are acid-sensitive and can only tolerate small changes in acidity.
Where are acidification samples collected?
samples at the midpoint
of the sample reach.
To learn more, see the
NRSA Field Operations Manual.