Water Column Analysis

• pH levels (acidity/alkalinity)
• Turbidity (water clarity and suspended solids)
• Temperature (thermal characteristics)
• Pressure/Depth (Used to determine the exact depth of measurements)
• Dissolved oxygen (aquatic life support)
• Hydrostatic pressure (measured in inches of water column)
• Salinity (total dissolved solids)
• Conductivity (electrical properties)
• Chlorophyll (algal biomass indicator)
• Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
• Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria presence)

Our water column analysis utilises sophisticated instrumentation for precise measurement across diverse aquatic environments:

• Fixed multi-parameter sondes with real-time data logging
• Towed profiling systems for continuous vertical assessment
• Multibeam sonar for spatial water column imaging
• Niskin Bottle samplers for discrete water collection
• Auto-samplers with UKAS accredited laboratory analysis
• Seabed mounted and vessel mounted profiling systems

Our comprehensive system deploys these technologies across environments ranging from deep water offshore locations to isolated highland reservoirs.

In-situ monitoring options

Our in-situ monitoring capabilities cover diverse aquatic environments, from remote highland reservoirs to the sea floor. We deploy seabed mounted and vessel mounted profiling systems with real-time data logging, capturing parameters including temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll, blue-green algae, and rhodamine.

Specialist 4×4 vehicles provide access to isolated locations, while our hovercraft enables safe monitoring in tidally affected coastal areas where conventional vessels cannot operate. All monitoring programmes scale to match specific project requirements, delivering reliable results across any environmental challenge.

Laboratory testing and reporting

Water sample collection utilises both Niskin Bottle systems and auto-samplers, with all analysis conducted through UKAS accredited laboratory facilities. Laboratory results integrate with field monitoring data to provide complete water column assessment, from surface to sea floor conditions. Our quality assurance procedures guarantee consistent, accurate results supporting compliance requirements and environmental management decisions across all project scales.

Water column analysis measures physical, chemical, and biological parameters including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, salinity, conductivity, chlorophyll, suspended solids, and nutrient concentrations. The specific parameters depend on project objectives and regulatory requirements.

Our equipment can monitor water columns from surface level to depths exceeding 100 meters in lochs & reservoirs and significantly deeper in offshore marine environments. Monitoring depth capabilities are matched to each project's specific requirements and environmental conditions.

Water column analysis serves utilities, construction companies, dredging contractors, port authorities, environmental agencies, renewable energy developers, and any organisation needing to assess water quality impacts or demonstrate compliance with environmental regulations.

Monitoring frequency depends on project type, regulatory requirements, and environmental conditions. It can range from continuous real-time monitoring during construction activities to periodic sampling for baseline assessments or seasonal environmental changes.

All our laboratory analysis is conducted through UKAS accredited facilities, ensuring results meet the highest industry standards and are accepted by regulatory bodies for compliance reporting and environmental assessments.