Water analyses

Price: $10

Method: Colorimetric

Ammonium is the form of nitrogen in water resulting from the breakdown of organic matter or excreted by organisms. It is an important nutrient for plants and microbes, serving as a readily available nitrogen source, but at high concentrations it can indicate pollution, eutrophication, or oxygen-depleted conditions. Ammonium also participates in nitrogen cycling, being convertible to nitrate through nitrification or lost as ammonia gas under certain conditions.

Price: $10

Method: Colorimetric

Boron in water is usually present as borate ions (B(OH)₄⁻). It is an essential micronutrient for plants, playing a critical role in cell wall formation, sugar transport, and reproductive development. However, boron has a narrow range between deficiency and toxicity, so high concentrations in water can harm sensitive plants and aquatic organisms, while low concentrations may limit plant growth.

Price: TBD

Method: ISE meter

The concentration of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) dissolved in water. Calcium is an essential nutrient for plants and aquatic organisms, contributing to cell wall structure, membrane stability, and signaling. Ecologically, calcium in water influences hardness, pH buffering, and nutrient availability, and it plays a role in maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.

Price: TBD

Method: ISE meter

Chloride is an essential micronutrient for plants, involved in osmotic regulation and photosynthesis, but it is highly mobile and does not bind to soil or sediment. Ecologically, elevated chloride levels can indicate salinization or pollution and may stress sensitive plants and aquatic organisms, while low levels are generally not limiting.

Price: $10

Method: Colorimetric

Usually present as Fe²⁺ (ferrous) or Fe³⁺ (ferric) ions depending on oxygen conditions, iron is an essential micronutrient for plants and microbes, important in electron transport, photosynthesis, and enzyme function. Ecologically, iron availability influences nutrient cycling and primary productivity, while excessive dissolved iron can cause staining, affect water taste, and precipitate as insoluble oxides that alter aquatic habitats.

Price: $10

Method: Colorimetric

Typically as Mn²⁺ under reducing conditions or oxidized forms under aerobic conditions, manganese is an essential micronutrient for plants and microbes, playing a key role in enzyme function, photosynthesis, and redox reactions. Ecologically, manganese availability affects aquatic productivity and nutrient cycling, while high concentrations can be toxic to sensitive plants and aquatic organisms.

Price: TBD

Method: ISE Meter

As magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) dissolved in water, magnesium is an essential nutrient for plants and aquatic organisms, playing a central role in chlorophyll formation, enzyme activation, and energy transfer. Ecologically, magnesium influences water hardness, nutrient availability, and overall ecosystem health, and deficiencies or imbalances can affect plant growth and water quality.

Price: $10

Method: Colorimetric

Phosphate is an essential nutrient for plants and aquatic organisms, playing a key role in energy transfer (ATP), nucleic acids, and cell membranes. Ecologically, phosphate availability influences primary productivity, and elevated levels can lead to eutrophication, while low levels may limit growth in nutrient-poor ecosystems.

Price: $3

Method: Meter

pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water, reflecting the concentration of hydrogen ions. It influences chemical solubility, nutrient availability, and biological activity in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Electrical conductivity measures the water’s ability to conduct electricity, which reflects the total concentration of dissolved salts (ions). EC is an indicator of salinity, water quality, and potential stress for plants and aquatic organisms. Together, pH and EC provide a quick assessment of water chemistry and ecosystem health.

Price: TBD

Method: ISE meter

As potassium ions, potassium is an essential nutrient for plants, playing a key role in enzyme activation, osmoregulation, and photosynthesis. Ecologically, dissolved potassium influences plant growth, nutrient cycling, and water quality, and its availability in water can affect the productivity of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Price: TBD

Method: ISE Meter

As sodium ions, sodium is not essential for most plants but can influence soil structure, water salinity, and plant stress. Ecologically, high sodium concentrations can lead to salinization, reduced water quality, and adverse effects on sensitive plants and aquatic organisms, while low levels generally have minimal impact.

Price: TBD

Method: Meter

Total dissolved solids (TDS) refers to the total concentration of all dissolved substances in water, including salts, minerals, and small organic molecules. TDS affects water quality, salinity, and conductivity, influencing the health of plants, animals, and microbes. High TDS can stress sensitive organisms and reduce water usability, while low TDS generally indicates soft, low-mineral water.

Price: $10

Method: Colorimetric

A measure of the total amount of carbon present in dissolved and particulate organic compounds in water. It is an indicator of organic matter availability, which fuels microbial activity and influences nutrient cycling. Ecologically, high organic carbon can affect water quality, oxygen demand, and the formation of disinfection byproducts, while low organic carbon may indicate limited energy sources for aquatic organisms.

Price: $10

Method: Colorimetric

As zinc ions, zinc is an essential micronutrient for plants and aquatic organisms, playing a critical role in enzyme function, protein synthesis, and growth regulation. Ecologically, adequate zinc supports productivity, while elevated concentrations can be toxic to sensitive plants and aquatic life, and low concentrations may limit growth in nutrient-poor systems.