Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context. The scoring engine uses 13 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 12 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
Lower Critical Threshold: EC levels below approximately 30 μS/cm may induce ionoregulatory stress in freshwater fauna.
Water Electrical Conductivity (EC) as a measure of total dissolved salts in freshwater systems.
This benchmark represents the lower critical threshold of electrical conductivity below which freshwater fauna may experience ionoregulatory stress, indicating physiologically challenging conditions.
The ANZECC (2000) default lower trigger value for upland rivers of 30 μS/cm provides a useful and conservative indicator of a level below which ionoregulatory stress may begin to compromise fish health and productivity.
Sources (1)
Northern Territory Government (2020) Darwin Harbour Region Water Quality Objectives, Report Card Section 3.0.
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
(PDF) Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - ResearchGate
View Source
A Compendium of Ecological Information on Australia's ... - DCCEEW
View Source