Понимание здоровья воды: Руководство по 5 основным параметрам качества воды

Understanding the basic quality of any water body—be it a river, lake, ocean, or treatment plant—starts with measuring five essential indicators. Known as “Routine Five Parameters” in water quality monitoring, these metrics provide a critical and immediate snapshot of water’s health. They are the cornerstone of environmental protection, aquaculture, wastewater management, and countless other applications.

These five parameters are prized for their ability to be measured quickly, accurately, and in real-time using a multi-parameter water quality sonde, providing instant data for decision-making.

Here is a detailed breakdown of each parameter and why it matters.

1. Temperature

• What it is: The measure of the thermal energy in the water.
• Why it’s important:
  • Chemical Impact: Influences the rate of chemical reactions and metabolic processes in aquatic life.
  • Biological Impact: Directly affects the survival, reproduction, and growth rates of aquatic organisms. Each species has an optimal temperature range.
  • Physical Impact: Governs the solubility of dissolved gases (like oxygen) and affects water density and stratification.

2. pH

• What it is: A scale from 0 to 14 that measures the acidity or alkalinity of water, with 7 being neutral.
• Why it’s important:
  • Biological Impact: Most aquatic life thrives only within a specific pH range (typically 6.5-8.5). Extreme pH levels can damage gills and skin.
  • Chemical Impact: Determines the solubility, bioavailability, and toxicity of chemical pollutants. For example, ammonia becomes significantly more toxic at higher pH levels.

3. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

• What it is: The concentration of oxygen gas (O₂) dissolved in water, measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L).
• Why it’s important:
  • Essential for Life: DO is critical for the respiration of aerobic aquatic organisms, including fish, invertebrates, and bacteria.
  • Pollution Indicator: A primary indicator of organic pollution. When organic matter decomposes, it consumes oxygen. Low DO levels can lead to fish kills and ecosystem collapse.

4. Conductivity

• What it is: A measure of water’s ability to pass an electrical current, which is directly related to the total concentration of dissolved ions (salts, minerals).
• Why it’s important:
  • Indicator of TDS: Conductivity is a reliable surrogate for estimating Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which represents the total amount of inorganic salts dissolved in the water.
  • Pollution Indicator: A sudden change can signal pollution from agricultural runoff (fertilizers), industrial discharge, or saltwater intrusion.

5. Turbidity

• What it is: A measure of the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended particles like silt, clay, algae, and organic matter.
• Why it’s important:
  • Light Penetration: High turbidity blocks sunlight, reducing the ability of aquatic plants to perform photosynthesis.
  • Habitat Quality: Suspended particles can abrade fish gills, smother eggs, and make it difficult for sight-feeding predators to find food.
  • Pollution Carrier: Turbidity particles can act as carriers for attached pollutants and harmful microorganisms, including bacteria and parasites.

Сводная таблица

By monitoring these five fundamental parameters, scientists, engineers, and conservationists can effectively track changes, identify potential problems, and take action to protect our vital water resources.