Angling Trust WQMN

Overview: The Water Quality Monitoring Network is formed of angling clubs, anglers and trained volunteers who undertake regular, structured water quality monitoring across England and Wales. Each volunteer is allocated one or more sampling sites and collects data on a consistent monthly schedule. The network aims to harness the passion and local knowledge of anglers to build a strong, long‑term dataset that reveals trends, highlights pollution incidents, and informs campaigns and decision‑making around freshwater health and restoration. The methodology is based on a proven framework originally developed with support from Cardiff University and the Wye Catchment Partnership. What is being measured (including unit information) Chemical parameters: Phosphate (PO₄³⁻) – ppm (mg/L) using Hanna Phosphate Checker. Nitrate (NO₃⁻) – ppm (via Hach test strips). Ammonia (NH₃/NH₄⁺) – ppm (Hanna Ammonia Checker, selected sites only). Electrical Conductivity – µS/cm (indicator of total dissolved solids). Temperature – °C (via EC‑3 probe). Physical & observational parameters: Water level – categorical (High / Normal / Low). River flow – categorical (Above Average / Average / Below Average). Weather conditions – categorical (e.g., Cloudy, Rain, Sunny). Rain in the last 24h – Yes/No. Presence of algal blooms – Yes/No. Presence of visible pollution – Yes/No. General observations and notes – free text. Location data Recorded automatically in Epicollect5 on‑site: Latitude / Longitude Accuracy of reading UTM Easting & Northing UTM Zone Training Volunteers receive structured training via: Written guidance in the official Volunteer Pack Demonstrations of sampling procedures Tutorials on using the monitoring kit and interpretation of results Guidance on safe access, risk assessment, and use of Epicollect5 for data capture Training is reinforced through ongoing communication from local coordinators and the Angling Trust. [Water-Qual...18.08.2023 | PDF] Methods and Equipment Used Monitoring follows a standardised methodology requiring volunteers to: Collect samples from safe, consistent, free‑flowing river locations Triple‑rinse sampling equipment with river water before testing Avoid disturbing sediment to protect sample integrity Conduct tests immediately after sampling to avoid degradation Core equipment includes: HM Digital EC‑3 Electrical Conductivity & Temperature Probe Hanna Phosphate Checker + reagents Hach Nitrate Test Strips Hanna Ammonia Checker (selected sites only) Sampling vessel, syringe, gloves, towels, mobile device for Epicollect5 Quality Assurance Processes: Quality assurance is built into the programme through: Standardised testing methods and equipment Monthly repeated sampling at fixed locations Volunteers recording data in Epicollect5 with geolocation Location and measurement checks by group coordinators Comparison of new readings to previous values for anomaly detection Review of unusual or extreme results Clear instructions to avoid contamination, sampling errors and mis‑readings Timescale The Water Quality Monitoring Network is ongoing. Volunteers are expected to sample at least once per month at each assigned location, with the programme operating continuously to build a long‑term dataset and track water quality trends over time.总览：本水质监测网络由钓鱼俱乐部、垂钓爱好者及经过培训的志愿者组成，他们会在英格兰与威尔士范围内开展定期且标准化的水质监测工作。每位志愿者会被分配一处或多处采样点位，并按照固定的月度计划采集数据。本网络旨在依托参与者的热情与本土知识，构建一套稳健的长期数据集，用以揭示水质变化趋势、凸显污染事件，并为淡水健康保护与修复相关的行动及决策提供科学依据。本监测方法基于一套经过实践验证的框架，该框架最初由卡迪夫大学（Cardiff University）与怀伊流域合作组织（Wye Catchment Partnership）联合支持开发完成。 ### 测量指标（含单位说明） #### 化学参数： 1. 磷酸盐（PO₄³⁻）：以ppm（mg/L）为单位，使用哈纳磷酸盐检测仪（Hanna Phosphate Checker）进行检测。 2. 硝酸盐（NO₃⁻）：以ppm为单位，通过哈希检测试纸（Hach test strips）完成检测。 3. 氨氮（NH₃/NH₄⁺）：以ppm为单位，仅在选定采样点位使用哈纳氨氮检测仪（Hanna Ammonia Checker）开展检测。 4. 电导率：以微西门子/厘米（µS/cm）为单位，用于反映总溶解固体含量。 5. 水温：以摄氏度（°C）为单位，通过EC-3探头采集。 #### 物理与观测参数： 1. 水位：分类变量（高/正常/低） 2. 河道流量：分类变量（高于平均水平/平均水平/低于平均水平） 3. 天气状况：分类变量（例如：多云、降雨、晴朗） 4. 过去24小时内是否降雨：是/否 5. 是否存在藻华：是/否 6. 是否存在可见污染物：是/否 7. 通用观测与备注：自由文本格式 ### 位置数据 位置数据通过现场Epicollect5平台自动记录，具体包括：纬度/经度、读数精度、UTM东向坐标、UTM北向坐标以及UTM带号。 ### 培训内容 志愿者将通过以下途径接受系统化培训： 1. 官方志愿者手册中的书面指导 2. 采样流程现场演示 3. 监测设备操作与结果解读教程 4. 安全通行、风险评估以及使用Epicollect5平台进行数据采集的相关指南 本地协调员与英国钓鱼信托基金会（Angling Trust）将通过持续沟通强化培训效果。 [Water-Qual...18.08.2023 | PDF] ### 采样方法与配套设备 本监测项目遵循标准化流程，要求志愿者严格执行以下操作： 1. 从安全、固定且水流通畅的河道点位采集样本 2. 检测前使用河水对采样设备进行三次冲洗 3. 避免扰动河床底泥以保障样本完整性 4. 采样后立即开展检测，防止样本降解 核心监测设备包括： - HM Digital EC-3电导率与水温探头 - 哈纳磷酸盐检测仪（Hanna Phosphate Checker）及配套试剂 - 哈希硝酸盐检测试纸（Hach Nitrate Test Strips） - 哈纳氨氮检测仪（Hanna Ammonia Checker，仅部分点位使用） - 采样容器、注射器、手套、毛巾以及用于Epicollect5数据采集的移动设备 ### 质量保证流程 本项目内置了完善的质量保障机制，具体包括： 1. 统一的检测方法与标准化设备 2. 固定采样点位的月度重复采样机制 3. 志愿者在Epicollect5平台录入数据时自动关联地理定位信息 4. 区域协调员对采样点位与测量数据进行核查 5. 将新读数与历史数据对比以检测异常值 6. 对异常或极端结果进行专项复核 7. 明确的操作指南，以避免样本污染、采样误差与读数误判 ### 时间范围 本水质监测网络为长期持续项目。志愿者需每月至少对每个分配的采样点位开展一次采样，项目将持续运行以构建长期数据集，并实时追踪水质随时间的变化趋势。