Physical Parameter of Water & Wastewater Analysis

The physical parameters of water are those attributes measurable in their natural state. Measuring these attributes is helpful when analyzing water and wastewater to ensure quality control for environmental health. Common parameters measured for water quality are: pH, conductivity, temperature and turbidity.

pH

• Measuring the pH for water analysis is an important physical parameter. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with pure water at seven for neutral. If the water is under seven, that means there is acidic compound present. If it is above seven, there are alkalis present.

Conductivity

• Conductivity is used to measure water's ability to conduct an electrical current. Nutrients, minerals, metals and pollution can affect this ability. River conductivity ranges from 50-1500 uS/cm, lakes and ponds between 150-500 uS/cm and industrial waste as high as 10,000 uS/cm, according to the Coastal Watershed Council.

Temperature

• The temperature of wastewater and water can affect water's ability to hold oxygen. The ability is necessary for photosynthesis of plants and metabolic rates of marine life. Weather, shade, discharge and storm water inflow can affect water temperature.

Turbidity

• Turbidity refers to the amount of suspended particles in water. Although water found in watersheds is naturally turbid, measuring turbidity can indicate erosion. It can also indicate excessive nutrient loading from fertilizers, algae growth and storm water runoff.