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 11 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 10 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
A lower critical threshold exists at approximately 30 µS/cm, below which essential physiological processes like osmoregulation are compromised for sensitive aquatic fauna.
Lower critical threshold of water electrical conductivity below which aquatic fauna experience physiological stress.
Threshold below which water electrical conductivity is too low to support healthy aquatic life due to osmoregulatory stress.
Based on macroinvertebrate tolerance data and reference condition monitoring indicating physiological necessity of dissolved ions.
Sources (1)
National Guidelines for Water Quality - Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - ResearchGate
View SourceBasin Plan water quality targets; Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZG 2018/ANZECC 2000); Australia State of the Environment 2021: Inland water
View Source