Conductivity Of Water example essay topic

229 words
The measure of the capacity of water to allow an electrical current is called conductivity. Conductivity in streams is affected by many factors such as the elements or compounds found in the water, the temperature of the water, the geology of the area, and the pollution in the water. Each of these factors affect the conductiity in some way. Many inorganic dissolved solids increase the conductivity of water. Examples of these include: chloride, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Oil, sugar, alchohol, and other organic compounds generally do not increase the conductivity of water much because they do not conduct an electrical current well.

An oil spill, for example, would actually lower the conductivity of the stream. Conductivity can be affected by the geology of the area and temperature of the water... For example, a stream running through an area whith clay soil tends to have higher conductivity than a stream that runs over a granite rocked. This is due to the amount of materials that ionize when washed by water. Conductivity increases along with water temperature. Noticable changes in conductivity may indicate pollution in the water.

A probe and a meter is used to measure the conductivity of water. The conductivity of water is always reported as conductivity at 25 degrees Celcius. web.