Field Gear for Biologists

1
Field Gear for Biologists Where Contamination
Occurs and How to Prevent it
2
Contamination Sites
1. Lentic Waters
- Wetlands
- Lakes and Ponds
2. Lotic Waters
3
Wetland Contamination Prevention
1. Follows Hazard Analysis Critical Control
Points (HACCP) protocol developed by U.S.FDA
- Addresses vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, and
disease ANS
2. On-site protocol is as follows
- Specimens are not to be transferred
alive without proper
certification and approval
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
- Genetic or disease samples must be preserved
before transport
- Non-felted waders are worn in wetland at all
times
4
Wetland Contamination Prevention (continued)
3. Moving between sites
- Return to vehicle

• Clean and disinfect all equipment
  using proper disinfectant and duration allow
  to dry before use

• Travel to next sampling site

• Clean and disinfect equipment before returning
  to office

5
Wetland Prevention Documentation
1. Hazard analysis worksheet
- Checklist of preventative measures required to
prevent transport of ANS

• Reviewed prior to site visitation

2. HACCP plan form

• Outlines ten steps for critical control
  points (e.g., site-to-site, and
  site-to-office)

• Initialed verification of compliance required
  to be submitted weekly

6
Lake and Pond Contamination Prevention
1. Follows HACCP protocol
- Addresses vertebrate, invertebrate, plant,
and disease ANS
2. On-site protocol is as follows
Dreissena bugensis
- All fish captured are sacrificed or returned
to water immediately
- Nets may be re-deployed at the same site
(e.g., Utah Lake) but must be stored in boat upon
sampling completion
7
Lake and Pond Contamination Prevention (continued)
3. Moving between sites

• Return to office with boat and
  trailer

• Clean and disinfect boat,
  trailer, and all equipment
  using proper disinfectant
  and duration allow to dry before
  use

• Travel to next sampling site or store disinfected
  equipment at office

8
Lake and Pond Prevention Documentation
1. Hazard analysis worksheet
- Checklist of preventative measures required to
prevent transport of ANS

• Reviewed prior to site visitation

2. HACCP plan form

• Outlines ten steps for critical control
  points (e.g., site-to-site, and
  site-to-office)

• Initialed verification of compliance required
  to be submitted weekly

9
Lotic Waters Contamination Prevention
1. Follows HACCP protocol
- Addresses vertebrate, invertebrate, plant,
and disease ANS
2. On-site protocol is as follows
- Specimens are not to be transferred
alive without proper
certification and approval
Didymosphenia geminata
- Genetic or disease samples must be preserved
before transport
- Non-felted waders are worn in stream at all
times
10
Lotic Waters Contamination Prevention (continued)
3. Moving between sites
- Return to vehicle

• Clean and disinfect all equipment
  using proper disinfectant and
  duration allow to dry before use

• Travel to next sampling site

• Clean and disinfect equipment before returning
  to office

11
Lotic Waters Prevention Documentation
1. Hazard analysis worksheet
- Checklist of preventative measures required to
prevent transport of ANS

• Reviewed prior to site visitation

2. HACCP plan form

• Outlines ten steps for critical control
  points (e.g., site-to-site, and
  site-to-office)

• Initialed verification of compliance required
  to be submitted weekly

12
Equipment for Prevention
1. Vehicles
- Rinse and scrub with heavy brush (remove
debris)
- Weed sprayer filled with new bleach solution
or quaternary ammonium disinfectant
- 1 gallon of bleach or Quat 128
- List of known ANS with pictures
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Equipment for Prevention
1. Boats
- Rinse and scrub with heavy brush (remove
debris)
- Weed sprayer filled with new bleach solution
or quaternary ammonium disinfectant
- 1 gallon of bleach or Quat 128
- List of known ANS with pictures
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Equipment for Prevention
1. Shop
- Rinse and scrub equipment with heavy brush
(remove debris)
- Weed sprayer filled with new bleach solution
or quaternary ammonium disinfectant
- 1 gallon of bleach or Quat 128
- List of known ANS with pictures by drainage
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Additional Prevention Info
1. Duration
- 30 second exposure to disinfectant solution
- 3 hour drying time without rinsing
2. Equipment
- Additional set of field equipment if possible