Conductivity of the water

The conductivity of water describes the ability of water to conduct electricity. The conductivity of water can vary depending on the content of ions and other dissolved substances. The conductivity of water can be used in analytics to determine water quality.

The effects of ions on the conductivity of water

Ions are charged particles that can be dissolved in water. They can influence the conductivity of water. The more ions dissolved in the water, the higher the conductivity. The most important ions that influence the conductivity of water are sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, sulphate and hydrogen carbonate.

The unit of conductivity: Siemens per meter (S/m)

The conductivity of water is measured in Siemens per meter (S/m). The higher the conductivity of a water, the higher the measured value in S/m.

The relationship between conductivity, salinity and water quality

The conductivity of water can be used as an indicator for the salt content and therefore for the water quality. The conductivity of water is particularly important in agriculture, in the field of drinking water treatment and in aquaristics.

• In agriculture: The conductivity of irrigation water can give an indication of the salt content in the soil. Excessive conductivity can damage plants.
• In drinking water treatment: The conductivity of raw water can indicate the contamination of the water with salts and other dissolved substances. In the treatment of drinking water, conductivity can be used as an indicator of the success of desalination.
• In aquaristics: The conductivity of water is an important parameter for the well-being of fish and plants in aquariums. Too high a salt content can affect the health of the animals.

How can the conductivity of water be measured?

The conductivity of water can be determined using a conductivity meter. An electrode is immersed in the water and the measured value is displayed in Siemens per meter.

The importance of conductivity in environmental analysis

In environmental analysis, the conductivity of water plays an important role in assessing water quality. In the field of wastewater treatment, conductivity can also be used as an indicator for the contamination of wastewater with dissolved substances and salts.

In analytics, various methods can be used to determine the conductivity of water. One common method is determination using a conductivity meter. However, other methods such as titration or electrophoresis can also be used.

Water conductivity: an important factor for industry

The conductivity of water also plays an important role in industry. The conductivity of water is particularly important in electrochemistry, electroplating and food production.

• In electrochemistry: The conductivity of water is an important factor in the production of batteries and fuel cells. High conductivity is essential to ensure an efficient flow of electricity.
• In electroplating: The conductivity of water is also an important parameter in electroplating. This involves applying a metal layer to a workpiece. A high conductivity of the water is an advantage here.
• In food production: The conductivity of water also plays an important role in food production. This involves controlling the salt content in the production of cheese or sausage.

Summary

The conductivity of water is an important parameter for assessing water quality. It can be used as an indicator for the salt content and therefore for the contamination of the water with dissolved substances. The conductivity of water can be determined using a conductivity meter and is important in various areas such as agriculture, drinking water treatment and industry.