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 9 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 8 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
The lower bound of the benchmark range, 20 µS/cm, as observed in the comprehensive survey by Pearson et al., aligns well with the experimental stress level of <25 µS/cm and serves as a robust, real-world lower limit for a healthy, functioning ecosystem.
Lower functional limit of electrical conductivity for maintaining optimal community structure.
This benchmark defines the functional lower boundary of electrical conductivity necessary to avoid physiological stress in aquatic fauna in pristine rainforest streams.
Experimental evidence indicates some macroinvertebrate taxa experience physiological stress and reduced performance in waters with EC below approximately 25 µS/cm.
Sources (2)
Effects of total dissolved solids on growth and mortality predict ...
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Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC/ARMCANZ)
View SourceSupporting Sources (3)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
(PDF) Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in ...
View SourceEcology of streams in a biogeographic isolate—the Queensland Wet ...
View SourceEnvironmental Protection (Water and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019 | Environment
View Source