Methods for Characterizing Physical, Chemical, and Biological Conditions of
Wetlands in Central Nebraska
By Robert B. Swanson and Steven A. Frenzel
ABSTRACT: Methods were developed to collect representative physical, chemical,
and biological samples at 31 wetlands in central Nebraska. Variable length
transects of ten equidistant points designated locations where water was
collected and composited. A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) well bailer was
excellent for collecting undisturbed water samples. Bottom sediments were
collected at five transect points with a PTFE pipe for trace element
determination and with a stainless steel coring device for nutrient and
herbicide determination. Physical and chemical measures included depth,
temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, nutrients, major ions, and
herbicides. Biological analyses from the water column included phytoplankton
community composition, and chlorophyll-a concentration. Odonate nymphs were
collected by sieving bottom material through a fiberglass screen. Where
sufficient mass of odonate nymphs were collected, trace elements were sampled
in water, bottom sediments, and tissues. Qualitative invertebrate and algae
samples were collected from relatively undisturbed areas near the
transect. Vegetation was described at 30 equidistant points from two parallel
transects 1 to 2 meters on either side of the water-column transect.
CITATION:
Swanson, R.B., and Frenzel, S.A., 1995, Methods for characterizing physical,
chemical, and biological conditions of wetlands in central Nebraska [abs.]:
Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society, v. 12, no. 1, p. 202.