This parameter may be accurately measured in the field using a portable conductivity meter and is a quantification of the capacity of water to conduct electricity. These trends may be produced by a variety of municipal and industrial activities including road maintenance, waste treatment, and manufacturing. Any abnormal deviation in conductivity may indicate a recent pollution event. This parameter may be accurately measured in the field using a portable pH meter and is a quantification of how acidic or basic a water sample is. Temperature must be factored in to many environmental measurements since it may drastically effect the value of the measurement.
Temperature also effects chemical states and availabilities in an aquatic ecosystem.
This parameter may be accurately measured in the field using a portable turbidimeter. DO is useful in assessing whether or not an aquatic system has sufficient oxygen to support the respiration of aerobic organisms. The velocity is multiplied by the CSA yielding the volume discharge in cubic feet per second, liters per second, etc. Discharge is essential in estimating relationships, transports, and fates of all other stream parameters. This parameter must be measured in the field.