Implementation Guide for Turbidity Threshold Sampling: Principles, Procedures, and Analysis

Turbidity threshold sampling uses real-time turbidity and river stage information to automatically collect water quality samples for estimating suspended sediment loads. The system uses a programmable data logger in conjunction with a stage measurement device, a turbidity sensor, and a pumping sampler. Specialized software enables the user to control the sampling process, plot and correct the data, and estimate suspended loads. This implementation guide describes the entire process, including instrumentation, installation, field procedures, software usage, data collection, laboratory methods, data interpretation, data reduction, and analysis.