MEPA Coastal Water Survey - Nutrients in Water Column 2012/13

The survey was conducted at 26 stations in the coastal waters of the Maltese Islands over a period of one year between May 2012 and July 2013. Sea water samples were collected at 5 metres using a Niskin bottle. Nitrites, nitrates and Total Nitrogen were calculated on site using a probe and photometer, since these have a short holding time. They were then verified in the laboratory, where the other parameters were also measured, using the following methods: UNI EN ISO 10304-1:2009 (for Nitrites. Nitrates and Phosphates), APAT CNR IRSA 4060 Man 29 2003 (for Total Nitrogen), APAT CNR IRSA 4030B Man 29 2003 (for Ammonium Ions) and EPA 2007 1994 (for Total Phosphorous as P).