APPENDIX A: TSS ANALYSES
TSS samples were analyzed in a field laboratory following the standard proce-
dures, with minor modifications to the methods that were relevant to this project.
Our procedure differed in the following ways.
1. Glass fiber filters were not pre-washed, dried and weighed. Control tests
performed in 1993 and 1994 determined that the weight changes were insignificant.
2. Oven temperature remained between 103 and 105C since volatile solids
were not measured. Temperature was checked and recorded daily as was the
balance calibration.
3. Owing to the small particle sizes of sediment, filters readily clogged. We
minimized filtration time by carefully pouring the majority of settled sample into a
graduated cylinder, recording the volume, then vigorously shaking the remaining
portion and quickly transferring it to a graduated cylinder. This volume was re-
corded and added to the initial value. The sample container, graduated cylinder
and filter funnel were thoroughly rinsed with distilled water, with all washes
added to the filtered sample.
4. The final cycle of drying, cooling and reweighing of filters was deemed
unnecessary for the concentration ranges encountered.
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