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
A significant body of scientific literature indicates that freshwater ecosystems in Australia begin to experience direct adverse biological effects and significant biodiversity loss as salinity approaches and exceeds approximately 1500 µS/cm.
Electrical Conductivity (EC) level in surface water above which significant adverse biological effects and biodiversity loss occur in freshwater ecosystems.
This benchmark marks the critical upper limit of electrical conductivity in surface water beyond which freshwater ecosystems in temperate grassy woodlands experience significant biological harm and biodiversity loss.
This threshold is supported by multiple studies showing elimination of sensitive species and biodiversity decline beyond this EC level.
Sources (1)
Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - CSIRO Publishing
View SourceSupporting Sources (1)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Salinity | Murray–Darling Basin Authority
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