Water Quality Parameters

A wide variety of parameters are measured across environmental, utility, and laboratory settings. Common water quality measurements include temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ORP, conductivity, and turbidity, though many additional parameters can enhance your platform. Water quantity, such as level, is also frequently assessed. Explore our library of parameter pages for an in-depth look at each!

Ammonia & Ammonium

Measures nitrogen levels as ammonia or ammonium. Essential for evaluating aquatic life health and monitoring wastewater treatment processes.

BOD

Biochemical Oxygen Demand measures the amount of dissolved oxygen required by aerobic organisms to decompose organic material in water.

Blue-Green Algae

Also known as cyanobacteria. It’s important for monitoring toxins and assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems.

CDOM & fDOM

Measures dissolved organic matter (DOM) in water that can impact light absorption and aquatic life health. fDOM is a fraction of CDOM.

Chloride

A component of salt in minerals and oceans. High concentrations or sudden changes in water bodies can negatively impact fish and aquatic communities.

Chlorophyll

Enables plants and other chlorophyll-containing organisms to perform photosynthesis. Measurements are used as an indicator of algal biomass.

Colorimetry & Photometry

Methods used to determine water chemical concentrations by measuring light absorption and color. Requires that reagent(s) be added to a sample.

Conductivity

Evaluates water’s ability to conduct electricity, which reflects its ionic content and provides insights into overall water quality.

Cyanide

Present in the environment as a result of both natural and industrial processes. It must be monitored closely, as exposure can be potentially deadly.

Depth

Fundamental for understanding aquatic habitats, depth measurement influences water pressure, light penetration, and ecological conditions.

Dissolved Oxygen

Essential for aquatic life, dissolved oxygen levels reflect water quality and are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Life Science Parameters

Includes measurements like glucose, lactose, and sucrose. These parameters are measured in clinical, industrial, and research applications.

Nitrate

Indicates nutrient levels and potential pollution from sources like agricultural runoff, affecting aquatic life and water quality.

Oil-Hydrocarbon

Measures petroleum-based pollutants in water, essential for monitoring industrial discharges and managing environmental contamination.

ORP-Redox

Determine the oxidizing or reducing potential of a water sample. It’s essential for water treatment and quality assessments.

pH

Describes how acidic or basic a solution is, depending on a solution’s ion content. Measured in nearly every water quality application.

Phosphorus

Measures a key nutrient that—in excess—can lead to detrimental algal blooms and eutrophication in water bodies.

PAR

Photosynthetic Active Radiation is irradiance—the amount of sunlight or ambient light that diffuses through water compared to surface light.

Rhodamine

A fluorescent dye used as a tracer for studying water flow and pollutant dispersion in hydrological research.

Temperature

A critical factor affecting water chemistry and biological activities. One of the most fundamental parameters in environmental monitoring.

Turbidity

Measures the cloudiness of water caused by suspended particles, indicating water quality and impacting aquatic life and usability.

Water Level

Measures the volume of water in bodies like rivers and lakes. Critical for managing flood risks and studying ecological impacts.

water parameters consult an application expert

Our laboratory experts are available to help with everything from instrument selection to application support for various applications.

Learn More

Our environmental experts are available to help with everything from instrument selection to data management.

Learn More

Our municipal experts are available to help with everything from instrument selection to application support for wastewater and drinking water treatment.

Learn More