What does conductivity also measure in water samples?

Conductivity in water samples primarily measures the ability of water to conduct electrical current, which is directly related to the concentration of ions in the water. These ions include minerals, salts, and other dissolved solids that contribute to the overall ionic content of the water. Therefore, conductivity is an effective indicator of total dissolved solids (TDS) because, as the concentration of dissolved solids increases, the conductivity of the water also increases.

By measuring conductivity, one can infer the TDS without needing to analyze each individual component separately, making it a valuable parameter in wastewater testing and general water quality assessments. Conductivity is often used in conjunction with other measurements, but its direct relationship with the ionic content of the water makes it the ideal choice in this context.