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Conductivity, one of the most commonly used water quality parameters, is an early indicator of changes in a water system, in addition to being the basis for most salinity and total dissolved solids calculations. In general the water body maintains a constant conductivity which can be used as a benchmark for future measurements.

In all kinds of pollution caused by natural disasters or human factors, the impact on water quality is very significant. Since conductivity and salinity are strongly correlated and conductivity is simpler to measure, it can be used in algorithms for estimating salinity and TDS, both of which affect water quality and aquatic life.

And salinity is particularly critical, as it affects the solubility of oxygen in water, with dissolved oxygen being lower when salinity levels are higher. Oxygen is therefore 20% more soluble in freshwater than in seawater at the same temperature.

Changes in conductivity may indicate contamination

Steep increases or decreases in the conductivity of water may indicate contamination. Agricultural runoff or sewage spills will raise the conductivity based on additional chloride, phosphate and nitrate ions. Oil spills or the addition of other organic compounds will reduce conductivity as these elements do not break down easily into ions. In both cases, additional dissolved solids will have a negative effect on water quality.

Discharges such as pollution can also lead to an increase in salinity and TDS, as effluent in wastewater increases salt ions and oil spills increase total dissolved solids. It is therefore important to monitor the conductivity of the water and choosing the right water conductivity sensor is a key aspect.