Conductivity measures the amount of charged ions in water that can conduct electricity. Silicates (SiO₄⁴-), on the other hand, are weakly dissociated anions. In water, they are often present as uncharged or only weakly charged species, especially at neutral pH values. As a result, they contribute only minimally to conductivity.
The most important reasons why conductivity does not measure silicates:
- Low dissociation: silicates only partially dissociate into ions in water. The majority remain as uncharged molecules.
- Weak conductivity: Even the dissociated silicate ions have a low charge density and hardly contribute to the electrical conductivity.
- Selectivity of conductivity measurement: Conductivity mainly detects strongly charged ions such as Na⁺, Cl-, SO₄²-, which effectively conduct electricity, but not weakly charged or uncharged substances such as silicates.
To measure silicates in water, we at HeylNeomeris use the Testomat 808 SIO2, an online water analyzer designed specifically for use in clinical environments. Alternatively, the PPM 150 hand-held measuring device is available for quick on-site analysis.
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