Relationship between TDS and EC in hydroponics.pptx

ec and TDS technique

1. Relationship Between TDS & EC Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) are related parameters used to measure the quality of water and its purity. Understanding their relationship involves comprehending how one parameter influences the other.

2. What is TDS? TDS refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances present in water. These can include inorganic salts (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates ) as well as some organic matter. TDS is commonly measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).

3. What is EC? EC stands for Electrical Conductivity and measures the water's ability to conduct electricity. It's a measure of the ion concentration in the water. EC is measured in siemens per meter (S/m) or microsiemens per centimeter (µS/cm).

4. Relationship between TDS and EC: TDS directly affects the EC of water. When dissolved solids are present in water, they break down into charged particles or ions. These ions enable the water to conduct electricity. Therefore, the higher the concentration of dissolved solids (TDS), the higher the electrical conductivity (EC) of the water. Mathematically, there is a strong correlation between TDS and EC. However, the relationship is not a direct conversion because different dissolved substances can have varying levels of conductivity per unit concentration. Therefore, while a rise in TDS generally leads to an increase in EC, the relationship may not be linear due to variations in the types of dissolved solids present.

5. Factors Affecting the Relationship Ion Types: Different ions contribute differently to electrical conductivity. For instance, sodium ions have higher conductivity compared to calcium or magnesium ions. Temperature: The temperature of the water affects the conductivity. Higher temperatures can increase the EC. Presence of Non-Conductive Solids: Sometimes, non-conductive solids might contribute to TDS without affecting EC, leading to discrepancies in the relationship.

6. Usage and Implications EC and TDS measurements are crucial in assessing water quality in various industries, agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental monitoring. Monitoring changes in TDS and EC helps to understand the suitability of water for specific purposes. For instance, higher TDS/EC levels might indicate a need for water treatment before use.