Is there a way of getting good estimates of TN and TP from wetlands using easy methods that can be applying in the field (I know using electronic probes that measure a variety of variables but these are not sufficient for TP and TN). I have a spectrophotometer, multispectral probe and I can buy other instruments if they don't cost more than USD 500. I am working in a remote area thus its quite a challenge to preserve and transport samples to descent labs
In my experience, electronic probes for water column nutrients are extremely questionable. These probes have a high degree of variability it there detection limit is way to high.
You could potentially do the ascorbic acid photometric method for TP, however the MDL might not be low enough for your purposes. Especially since this wetland is remote. Additionally photometric methods are available for NOx (I think) but not direct TN measurements (to my knowledge). If you preserve the samples using dilute sulfuric acid, TP samples have a hold time of 14 days based on US EPA approved methods and 28 days for TKN (I think).
Hopefully this helps.
By wetlands do you mean water or sediment or plant material. For total P, organic P, inorganic P there are methods for each. For the water column if you expect low levels i would say use Dave Karl Magic method and the modifications of this method.
For nitrogen again it depends what compartment you are looking for. There is something called a NOX Box for low level Nitrogen. and there are other methods for solid phase.
Can you be more specific please in your needs
Hi Tawanda
As long as your concentrations are not too low (in the oligotrophic range, say
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