Electrical conductivity assay

Electrical conductivity is a fundamental physicochemical parameter that allows us to assess the ability of a solution to conduct electric current. This property depends directly on the presence and concentration of ions dissolved in the medium, such as cations (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) and anions (chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, bicarbonates).

Conductivity testing is a simple but essential analysis used in many sectors to control the quality, purity, or mineralization of a product. It is performed in the laboratory by conductimetry, using a conductivity meter that measures the electrical resistance of the solution and translates it into conductivity values.

Interest in the dosage of electrical conductivity

Conductivity is a global indicator that reflects the ionic balance of a sample. It is used to:

• check the purity of the water (absence of contaminants or excess salts)
• control the mineralization and electrolyte content
• monitor the stability of liquid formulations in the food and nutraceutical industry
• evaluate the quality of beverages and plant extracts
• detect possible contamination or composition anomalies

This indicator is also useful in monitoring industrial processes (reverse osmosis, distillation, fermentation, plant extraction) and in controlling raw materials.

Analytical methodology

The analysis is carried out by conductimetry , a rapid and reliable technique based on the measurement of the electrical resistance between two electrodes immersed in the solution to be tested. The value obtained, expressed in microsiemens per centimeter (µS/cm) or millisiemens per centimeter (mS/cm), is directly linked to the ionic concentration of the sample.

The results can be interpreted to:

• determine the quality of water (drinking, demineralized, osmosis, distilled)
• monitor the mineralization of drinks (juices, infusions, enriched solutions)
• evaluate the electrolytic composition of plant extracts or nutrient solutions

Analyzed matrices

Electrical conductivity measurement is suitable for a wide variety of liquid matrices, including:

• drinking water, mineral water, industrial process water
• plant extracts and aqueous solutions
• beverages and liquid formulations (juices, herbal teas, enriched beverages)
• nutrient solutions intended for hydroponic cultivation or controlled agriculture

This versatility makes conductimetry essential in the agri-food, nutraceutical and environmental sectors.

Industrial and regulatory applications

Conductivity measurement meets several concrete needs of industrialists and laboratories:

• Human food : quality control of beverages, validation of purification processes, monitoring of water used in production.
• Nutraceuticals and phytotherapy : evaluation of the ionic composition of liquid extracts, control of the stability and conservation of solutions.
• Environment and water : monitoring of discharges, verification of the effectiveness of treatments and compliance with water quality standards.

This analysis thus makes it possible to ensure the safety, conformity and quality of the products placed on the market.

Additional analyses

Conductivity measurement can be combined with other physicochemical methods to provide a more complete characterization of solutions:

Turbidity determination

These combined approaches allow a detailed assessment of the quality of waters, beverages and extracts.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab offers its expertise and network of partner laboratories to ensure the reliability and accuracy of your analyses. Most of our partners are ISO 17025 certified and COFRAC accredited, ensuring full compliance with industry and regulatory requirements.

Our digital platform facilitates analysis management, from quote requests to sample tracking and results delivery. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and design offices have trusted YesWeLab to secure their analytical projects.