| #'''Automated samplers''' used to collect water from a rain event at given intervals (time or flow volume) are generally the most popular sampling method and involve compositing rain events to estimate an even mean concentration (EMC). For further information on sampling methods refer to the [https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/events/webinar-real-time-water-quality-monitoring-guide/ STEP Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring – How-To Guide]. The collected samples should be tested by a verified laboratory and handled based on laboratory instruction. | | #'''Automated samplers''' used to collect water from a rain event at given intervals (time or flow volume) are generally the most popular sampling method and involve compositing rain events to estimate an even mean concentration (EMC). For further information on sampling methods refer to the [https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/events/webinar-real-time-water-quality-monitoring-guide/ STEP Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring – How-To Guide]. The collected samples should be tested by a verified laboratory and handled based on laboratory instruction. |
− | Measuring phosphorus concentration in soil or LID media, is important for assumption and/or verification inspections. An LID media contains some amount of phosphorus in support of plant growth; however, the amount of phosphorus should remain low to avoid substantial nutrient contribution to nearby receiving waters. The organic matter in the media, as well as deceased plants can decompose and release both organic and inorganic phosphorus. This can increase concentrations in outflow, rendering such LIDs an exporter of nutrients instead of a treatment feature (Bratieres et al. 2008<ref>Bratieres, K., Fletcher, T. D., Deletic, A., & Zinger, Y. A. R. O. N. (2008). Nutrient and sediment removal by stormwater biofilters: A large-scale design optimisation study. Water research, 42(14), 3930-3940</ref>). Therefore, it is important to measure the phosphorus content of LID media and/or bulk materials such as [[compost]], and [[topsoil]] and ensure that it is within appropriate design specification range. '''Extractable phosphorus''' is the portion of soil phosphorus that is easily available to organisms like plant and algae and is of immediate concern to water quality in large amounts. '''Extractable phosphorus''' testing is commercially available from soil testing laboratories servicing agricultural and horticultural industries. The levels of phosphorus in media can also be evaluated and discussed as '''Phosphorus Saturation Index (PSI)'''. PSI is the proportion of extractable phosphorus to extractable aluminum and iron in the soil sample. | + | Measuring phosphorus concentration in soil or LID media, is important for assumption and/or verification inspections. An LID media contains some amount of phosphorus in support of plant growth; however, the amount of phosphorus should remain low to avoid substantial nutrient contribution to nearby receiving waters. The organic matter in the media, as well as deceased plants can decompose and release both organic and inorganic phosphorus. This can increase concentrations in outflow, rendering such LIDs an exporter of nutrients instead of a treatment feature (Bratieres et al. 2008<ref>Bratieres, K., Fletcher, T. D., Deletic, A., & Zinger, Y. A. R. O. N. (2008). Nutrient and sediment removal by stormwater biofilters: A large-scale design optimisation study. Water research, 42(14), 3930-3940</ref>). Therefore, it is important to measure the phosphorus content of LID media and/or bulk materials such as [[compost]], and [[topsoil]] and ensure that it is within appropriate design specification range. '''Extractable phosphorus''' is the portion of soil phosphorus that is easily available to organisms like plant and algae and is of immediate concern to water quality in large amounts. '''Extractable phosphorus''' testing is commercially available from soil testing laboratories servicing agricultural and horticultural industries. The level of phosphorus saturation in a filter or growing media can also be evaluated as '''Phosphorus Saturation Index (PSI)'''. PSI is the proportion of extractable phosphorus to extractable aluminum and iron in the soil sample. |