Lake Winnebago is the largest lake in Wisconsin and a crucial source of drinking water for surrounding communities. However, concerns have arisen regarding potential contamination of this water supply by toxins produced by blue-green algae. To address these concerns and assess the risk, high-resolution sampling of the lake water was necessary. Professor Todd Miller and his team from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee chose the Teledyne Isco 6712 portable sampler for its compact design, versatile programming, and SDI-12 interface, which allowed for effective data collection.
THE CHALLENGE
The study required frequent water sampling from Lake Winnebago without the need for prolonged stays on the lake. The team faced a tight budget, which precluded purchasing additional samplers, leading them to manually collect samples from the water treatment plant. They also needed to securely attach the sampler to a buoy to ensure it remained stable and protected from theft, while also addressing the lack of a nearby power source for the sampler.
THE SOLUTION
To meet these challenges, the team devised a solution by attaching the 6712 portable sampler to a homemade buoy equipped with sensors for measuring water quality parameters and transmitting data via a modem. The buoy included a platform to securely hold the sampler in place, with bars and padlocks to prevent theft. Power was supplied by a marine battery housed in the buoy’s hull, recharged by solar panels mounted on the buoy to ensure continuous operation.
RESULTS
The combination of the sampler and buoy proved effective for the study. Despite strong waves causing the buoy to wobble, the samples remained secure in their bottles. The sampler’s sequencing programme allowed for sufficient daily sampling, requiring the team to visit the buoy only once a week to retrieve samples. This approach was essential given the limited number of days per week with suitable weather conditions for boating to the buoy.
– Miller, University of Wisconsin in MilwaukeeWe are not aware of other products that would have worked as well as the 6712 portable sampler. As mentioned, power, sample volume, and sample integrity were all perfect.
