Specific conductivity

Specific conductivity is a function of conductivity and temperature. This parameter is mostly applicable in studies of freshwater and brackish water. The units of measurement are μS/cm (microsiemens per centimetre).

RBR uses the algorithm described in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater by L.S. Clesceri et al, which yields specific conductivity normalised to 25°C.

\[\text{Specific conductivity} = \frac{0.001\cdot\text{conductivity}}{1+0.0191(\text{temperature}-25)}\]

where conductivity in mS/cm and temperature in °C are values measured by your RBRlegato³, and 0.0191 is the default specific conductivity coefficient.

The specific conductivity coefficient is defined as the change in conductivity (in %) per 1°C. Its default value corresponds to an increase in conductivity of 1.91%. However, it depends on temperature and ionic composition of the water, ranging between 0.0175 and 0.0214 for natural lakes and rivers. This method enables calculation of specific conductivity in a range 0 to 6000μS/cm and is valid in the temperature range -2°C to +35°C.