Question

How to the four techniques of measuring salinity (evaporation, electrical conductivity, refractometer, titration) compare to each other? What are the pros and cons of each technique?

Answer 1

1. Evaporation technique:-

Advantage - Easiest method.

Disadvantage - It takes time depending on the amount of water

2. Electrical Conductivity:-

Advantage - Fastest Method available

Disadvantage -

• Cannot distinguish between different types of ions.
• Conductivity meters are temperature dependent

3. Refractometer

Advantage - It measures the salinity with accuracy.

Disadvantage -

• It needs to be calibrated regularly.
• It needs light to make the measurement.
• It is costly.

4. Titration

Advantage - The precision of measuring salinity in this method is very high
Disadvantage -

• The time taken per sample is more.
• The operators skill are required