Monitoring Water for Salinity With​ KETOS SHIELD

Get salinity insights plus 30+ other water testing parameters factors in real-time – while lowering up-front costs with our industry-leading $0-CAPEX subscription model.

Our proprietary water quality monitoring solution, KETOS SHIELD, provides timely monitoring for salinity and dozens of parameters (such as heavy metals, nutrients, and more). Monitoring is seamless. Operators gain insights via an interoperable, modular system that uploads data to the cloud for secure 24/7 access.

Why Monitor Water for Salinity with KETOS

Dissolved salts create salinity in water. The level of salinity is a contributor to conductivity. It’s also a method of controlling density and heat capacity along with pressure and temperature and, therefore, may be necessary for various industrial applications.

Water containing high salinity levels can become toxic to freshwater plants and organisms. It can also be unsafe as a source of drinking water (for both humans and livestock) and can kill crops if high salinity water is applied to plants during irrigation processes.

Salt can enter the environment when there is excess evaporation or water withdrawals. It can also affect surrounding surface and groundwater when salts are used as road de-icers and can appear at higher levels in wastewater, mining, and oil and gas discharges.

Since salinity can have a detrimental effect on crops, general vegetation, and aquatic life, it’s essential to monitor for salinity in water discharge before release back into to environment.

What are the Issues with Salinity in Water?

Salinity in water refers to the concentration of dissolved salts, primarily sodium chloride (table salt), but also includes other ions such as magnesium, calcium, and sulfate. While some level of salinity is natural in many water bodies, excessive salinity can lead to various challenges and concerns. Here are key issues associated with salinity in water:

• Impact on Agriculture: High salinity levels in irrigation water can affect soil fertility and crop productivity. Salts present in water can accumulate in the soil over time, leading to soil salinization. Excessive soil salinity can inhibit plant growth, reduce crop yields, and degrade agricultural land, posing significant challenges for food production and agricultural sustainability.
• Drinking Water Quality: Elevated salinity levels in drinking water sources can affect water quality and taste. Salty or brackish water may be unpalatable for drinking, cooking, and other household uses, leading to consumer dissatisfaction and reduced water consumption. Desalination may be required to treat saline water sources for potable use, which can be energy-intensive and costly.
• Environmental Impact: Excessive salinity in water bodies can have adverse effects on freshwater and marine ecosystems. High salinity levels can alter aquatic habitats, disrupt species composition and distribution, and reduce biodiversity. Some species may be more tolerant of high salinity conditions, leading to shifts in community structure and ecological imbalances.
• Corrosion and Infrastructure Damage: Salinity can accelerate corrosion of metal pipes, fittings, and infrastructure in water distribution systems. Corrosion-related issues can lead to leaks, pipe failures, and infrastructure damage, compromising the reliability and efficiency of water supply networks. Managing salinity levels in water sources is essential for minimizing corrosion-related maintenance costs and infrastructure degradation.
• Groundwater Contamination: Salinity can leach into groundwater from natural sources such as geological formations or anthropogenic activities such as irrigation practices, industrial discharges, and saltwater intrusion. Elevated salinity levels in groundwater can affect drinking water supplies, leading to water quality concerns and the need for alternative water sources or treatment technologies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Governments and regulatory agencies may establish guidelines or standards for salinity levels in drinking water, irrigation water, and aquatic ecosystems to protect human health and the environment. Compliance with these regulations requires monitoring salinity levels regularly, implementing water management practices to minimize salinity impacts, and implementing appropriate treatment measures when necessary.

Causes of Salinity in Water

Salinity in water, the concentration of dissolved salts, is influenced by a variety of natural and human-induced factors. Natural causes of salinity include the weathering of rocks and soils, which releases minerals containing salts into water sources. Additionally, evaporation of water from oceans, seas, and saline groundwater bodies leaves behind salts, increasing the salinity of remaining water. Geological processes such as tectonic activity can also affect salinity by altering the composition of underground water sources. Human activities such as irrigation practices, industrial discharges, and improper waste disposal can exacerbate salinity levels in water bodies. Agricultural runoff, in particular, can introduce salts from fertilizers and pesticides into waterways, leading to increased salinity. Climate change, with its effects on precipitation patterns and sea level rise, can further impact salinity levels in coastal and inland waters. Managing salinity is crucial for maintaining water quality and preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems and freshwater resources.

Acceptable Levels of Salinity in Water by Industry

Acceptable levels of salinity in water vary across industries depending on specific needs and requirements. In agriculture, salinity levels are crucial for crop growth and irrigation management, typically ranging between 0.5 to 3 deciSiemens per meter (dS/m). Conversely, in aquaculture, marine habitats, and freshwater ecosystems, salinity levels play a vital role in maintaining appropriate conditions for aquatic life, often falling within the range of 5 to 35 parts per thousand (ppt). Industries such as food processing and pharmaceuticals require stringent water quality standards, with salinity levels generally kept below 1 ppt to ensure product safety and integrity. Meanwhile, in industrial processes like manufacturing and cooling systems, salinity levels may vary widely based on specific operational needs, with typical thresholds ranging from 0.1 to 10 ppt. Balancing these diverse requirements is essential for sustainable water management across various sectors.

How to Easily Monitor Water for Salinity

Instead of measuring salinity with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of mentoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time. Test for one variable, or test for dozens at once. With KETOS, we make it easy to customize your water testing parameters to meet your operations’ exact needs.

With KETOS, tailor your water testing parameters to suit your operations’ specific requirements. Whether testing for a single variable or dozens simultaneously, our platform offers customizable solutions. Streamline your testing processes, ensuring comprehensive analysis tailored precisely to your operational needs for effective water quality management.

If you need to detect selenium in well water, temperature in wastewater, or Total Ammonia Nitrogen in the aquaculture industry, KETOS’ automated water monitoring will save time and reduce regulatory issues.