Design of Water Quality Monitoring Systems

Design of Water Quality Monitoring Systems Design of Water Quality Monitoring Systems presents a state-of-the-art approach to designing a water quality monitoring system that gets consistently valid results. It seeks to provide a strong scientific basis for monitoring that will enable readers to establish cost-effective environmental programs. The book begins by reviewing the evolution of water quality monitoring as an information system, and then defines water quality monitoring as a system, following the flow of information through six major components: sample collection, laboratory analysis, data handling, data analysis, reporting, and information utilization. The importance of statistics in obtaining useful information is discussed next, followed by the presentation of an overall approach to designing a total water quality information system. This sets the stage for a thorough examination of the quantification of information expectations, data analysis, network design, and the writing of the final design report. Several case studies describe the efforts of various organizations and individuals to design water quality monitoring systems using many of the concepts discussed here. A helpful summary and final system design checklist are also provided. Design of Water Quality Monitoring Systems will be an essential working tool for a broad range of managers, environmental scientists, chemists, toxicologists, regulators, and public officials involved in monitoring water quality. The volume will also be of great interest to professionals in government, industry, and academia concerned with establishing sound environmental programs.