Conductivity–Temperature Standardization and Dissolved Solids Estimation in a Meromictic Saline Lake

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Abstract
Studies on seasonal changes in micro-stratification in meromictic Mahoney Lake required investigation of appropriate temperature–conductivity (T–C) adjustments and conductivity – dissolved solids relationships. In situ conductivity measurements were adjusted to 25 °C using a series of T–C relationships determined in the laboratory for Mahoney Lake water collected from different depths and at different times. Comparisons were made between conductivity determined from in situ measurements, conductivity in diluted water, and chemical analysis. Conductivity measurements were evaluated as estimates of the dissolved solids content of the water. T–C relationships were found to change considerably with depth and season in salt-stratified lakes, and errors as high as 15% could occur in Mahoney Lake unless several T–C plots were used to adjust field conductivity measurements to a constant temperature. Corrected in situ measurements underestimated conductivity as determined from the chemical composition. Diluted conductivity provided a more consistent estimate of dissolved solids content by eliminating most effects of ion–ion interactions upon ion mobility.

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