Common Chemical Tests
| Nitrogen | Phosphorus |
| Sulfates | Turbidity |
Sulfates
Sulfates enter a stream by erosion. Areas with high concentrations of gypsum or shale are prone to high sulfate concentrations. AMD also adds large amounts of sulfates to the water. Iron pyrite (FeS2), a large element of AMD, yields both ferrous iron and sulfate when flowing into streams.
Other
tests, including and/or in addition to those described above, may be appropriate
for the watershed in your area. The indicators the were chosen as points of
study while making your monitoring plan are a good way to decide what tests need
to be performed.