A Novel Suspended-Sediment Sampling Method: Depth-Integrated Grab (DIG)

Measuring suspended sediment in fluvial systems is critical to understanding and managing water resources. Sampling has been the primary means of sediment. Specialized samplers, sampling methods, laboratory methods developed by select U.S. Federal Agencies are more representative river stream conditions than commonly used grab total solids (TSS) but not widely because they expensive, time consuming, required as part quality standards United States. A new suspended-sediment method called a depth-integrated (DIG) was combining certain elements from both depth-integrating concentration (SSC) methods. The goal DIG provide accurate results Grab-TSS while being easier cheaper sample specialized samplers Approximately 50 paired comparison samples were collected at 9 sites Minnesota 2018 through 2019. Results showed no significant difference between method. DIG-SSC provided an improved alternative method, additional research testing important evaluate if this appropriate different observed study.