AIM 1 - Sampling

Sampling Stations

• -          Sites in a large study area
• -          Meaningful sample results collected according to objective of study/research/project
• -          Sub-sampling stations at various depth for water hydrological properties

Objective

• -          To assess impact of activity
• -          Collect portion of material and transported & handled in lab accurately

Examples

• -          Kuala Terengganu Estuary for environmental study
• -          Straits of Malacca for oceanographic study
• -          Oil field in South China Sea for pollution study

Sampling Techniques

• -          Need research vessel / boat
• -          Mostly determined in situ

Hydrolab

• -          To find temperature, salinity, conductivity, D.O., p.H., depth, turbidity & nutrient

GPS (Global Positioning System)

• -          To determine the location of sampling station using satellite positioning

Fluorometer

• -          Dominant phytoplankton has chlorophyll & chlorophyll-a, hence as indicator for phytoplankton & productivity biomass
• -          Rhodamine (dye) & hydrocarbon

Current Meter

• -          Current speed & direction (ms^-1 & 0-360°)

Echo Sounder

• -          Depth measurement with sound impulse
• -          Seawater 1500 ms^-1 freshwater 1435ms^-1
• -          Sound velocity in ocean varies with pressure, depth, temperature, salinity

Water Samplers

• -          Niskin & Van Dorn Sampler
• -          Collect water sample for chemical analysis

Sediment Samplers

• -          Ekman grab, Smith McIntyre grab, Phleger corer
• -          Collect sediment sample for chemical & biological parameter analysis in sediment

Benthic Organisms Sampler

• -          For sampling benthic organisms, biomass, distribution & diversity studies

Plankton nets

• -          Sampling planktons
• -          Bongo net, Norpac net, Kitahara net