Determination of Salinity in Water: Water Quality Monitoring

Determination of Salinity in Water Samples

What is water salinity and why is it important?

Water salinity varies in various water bodies, such as natural water sources, groundwater, rivers, lakes and seas. Seawater, in particular, has high salinity levels, while freshwater sources generally have lower salinity levels. However, human activities, agricultural irrigation and industrial wastes can affect salinity levels.

Salinity in water refers to the concentration of dissolved salts (mainly sodium chloride and other ionic compounds) present in water. Salinity is often measured as electrical conductivity (EC) because dissolved salts increase the electrical conductivity of water.

One of the important quality test parameters performed in water is “Salinity Determination”. Salinity in water is expressed in grams/kilogram. When all carbonates are converted to oxides, all bromides and iodides are replaced by chlorides, and all organic matter is oxidized, the total amount of solids in the water is expressed as “Salinity”.

The terms chloronite and chlorosite are used in relation to salinity determination.

• Chloronite: bromides and iodides expressed as chloride.
• Chlorosity is defined as chlorinite x density (at 20 ^oC).

Why Determination of Salinity in Water?

1. Monitoring and Evaluation of Water Quality: Water salinity is an important parameter in monitoring water quality and is especially used in the protection of freshwater resources and monitoring of seawater.
2. Agriculture and Irrigation Applications: The salinity of water used for agricultural irrigation has a direct impact on plant health. High salinity levels can affect soil fertility by making it difficult for plants to absorb water. Therefore, monitoring the salinity of irrigation water is essential.
3. Managing Water Treatment Processes: In drinking water treatment plants, the salinity level can affect the treatability of the water. Also, monitoring the salinity level during the treatment of wastewater ensures the efficient operation of the system.
4. Assessment of Environmental Impacts: Salts mixed into water due to industrial activities or agricultural practices can cause environmental pollution. For this reason, salinity level should be monitored regularly to protect water resources.

3 different test methods are used for salinity determination:

• Electrical conductivity method
• Hydrometric method
• Argentometric method

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Salinity Determination in Water. We also provide services in Water Color Determination.

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