Flat-plate freeze sampler for sludge characterization in a feedlot runoff storage pond

Collecting undisturbed sludge and sediment samples is difficult in saturate d or near-saturated, wetland or pond environments. A sampling device was de veloped for sampling sludge in a beef cattle feedlot runoff storage pond. T he device enabled stratified samples to be frozen to one side of its exteri or surface. Dry ice and isopropyl alcohol were used as the freezing media i n the sampler The utility of the sampler was demonstrated with photographs and data delineating sediment layers by color and chemical concentrations. The sampler proved to be effective for obtaining an undisturbed, visual rep resentation of soft sediments and sludges, and should have many uses in sed iment and wetland research.