Measurement of electrical conductivity

Electrical conductivity is a fundamental physicochemical parameter that allows us to assess a solution's ability 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 measurement is a simple yet essential analysis used in many sectors to control the quality, purity, or mineral content of a product. It is performed in the laboratory using conductimetry, with a conductivity meter that measures the electrical resistance of the solution and translates it into conductivity values.

Importance of measuring electrical conductivity

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

• Verify water purity (absence of contaminants or excess salts)
• Monitor mineralization and electrolyte content
• Monitor the stability of liquid formulations in the food and nutraceutical industries
• Evaluate the quality of beverages and plant extracts
• Detect potential contamination or compositional 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 performed by conductimetry , a rapid and reliable technique that relies on measuring 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 related to the ionic concentration of the sample.

The results can be interpreted as follows:

• Determine water quality (drinking, demineralized, reverse osmosis, distilled)
• Monitor the mineral content of beverages (juices, infusions, fortified solutions)
• Evaluate the electrolyte 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, fortified drinks)
• Nutrient solutions for hydroponics or controlled agriculture

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

Industrial and regulatory applications

Conductivity measurement addresses several specific needs of manufacturers 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, monitoring of the stability and preservation of solutions.
• Environment and water : monitoring of discharges, verification of treatment effectiveness and compliance with water quality standards.

This analysis thus helps to ensure the safety, conformity and quality of 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 measurement

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

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab leverages its expertise and network of partner laboratories to guarantee 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 simplifies the management of analyses, from quote requests to results delivery, including sample tracking. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms have trusted YesWeLab to secure their analytical projects.