Range of VariablesThe Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts |
What advance water quality parameters may be relevant to this competency standard? | Dissolved or suspended solids, nitrogenous products (TKN, TAN, NO2- ,NO3-), redox, ozone, soil pH, clay content of soil, contaminants (including pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals), biological oxygen demand, bacterial levels (E. coli and faecal coliforms), aquatic life, chlorophyll, phosphorus (total and orthophosphate), macro-invertebrates and macrophytes. |
Which environmental parameters may be included? | Changes in native land-based and/or aquatic life around the site, sediment and debris levels, wastes and contaminants, toxic microalgae and presence of severe weather conditions. |
What water quality and environmental parameters may be relevant to this standard? | Dissolved oxygen, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, temperature, salinity, pH and turbidity. |
What equipment may be included? | Electronic machines, probes, grabs, nets, dredges, plankton nets, water sample bottles, fox whistle, bailer, still and video cameras, specialised machinery, micropipettes, soil analysis kits, and refractometer. |
What repairs and maintenance may apply to field-based equipment? | Adjustment of probes or other settings for calibration, correlation and replacement of electronic parts, covers, probes. |
How can erroneous readings be avoided? | By following monitoring schedule and standards, through regular readings (e.g., at the same time each month), by taking readings before irrigation cycles commence, by bailing out before taking the reading (especially where salinity levels are being assessed). |
What types of samples may be included? | Water, weather station/meteorological data, sediments or soils, pests, predators or fouling organisms and vegetation (land and aquatic). |
What samples for external analysis may be relevant? | Contaminants (such as heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals), proximate analysis of culture or other organisms, trace elements, mineral content of waters/soils and pathology. |
What is meant by antecedent environmental conditions? | Previously relevant weather, rainfall, irrigation, tides or floods that could influence sample/test results. |
Which OHSrequirements may be included? | Codes of Practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction, andenterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards |
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet. |
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