How to Test a Creek for Oil Pollution
- 1). Scoop a sample of water from the creek into a container.
- 2). Pour the water sample into a separatory funnel (included in oil test kit), a glass container that is wider at the top than at the bottom, and which has a valve at the bottom.
- 3). Pour solvent (included in kit) into the water sample inside the funnel, and shake the funnel, swirling the water to make an extract. Let the sample separate into two layers, with the extract layer forming on the bottom above the valve.
- 4). Position the bottom of the funnel over a test tube (included in kit). Release the valve briefly to let the extract layer pour into the test tube, and then close the stopper.
- 5). Add catalyst to the extract in the test tube, and then shake the test tube. The extract will change color.
- 6). Compare the color you see in the test tube to the color ID chart included with the test kit to see how much, if any, oil is in the sample.
