Selbig, W. R., Cox, A., Bannerman, R. T. 2012. Verification of a depth-integrated sample arm as a means to reduce solids stratification bias in urban stormwater sampling. Journal of Environmental Monitoring. Royal Society of Chemistry, London, UK. Volume 14 . Pages 1138-1144

gross solids, sampling, water quality, Stormwater, monitoring

A new water sample collection system was developed to improve representation of solids entrained in urban stormwater by integrating water-quality samples from the entire water column, rather than a single, fixed point. The depth-integrated sample arm (DISA) was better able to characterize suspended-sediment concentration and particle size distribution compared to fixed-point methods when tested in a controlled laboratory environment. These results emphasize the need for a water sample collection system that integrates the entire water column, rather than a single, fixed point to properly characterize the concentration and distribution of particles entrained in stormwater pipe flow.