What is temperature testing

Temperature testing is the process of measuring temperature levels in water. Temperature is a key factor in water chemistry. Temperature affects the dissolved oxygen levels in water, the rate of photosynthesis, metabolic rates of organisms, etc. Aquatic organisms depend on particular temperature ranges for their health.

Aquaread Water Temperature Sensor

Temperature measurement is vital in water quality because it can affect the measurement of different parameters. We measure temperature in order to be able to perform various compensations within our complex calculations and of course to record the waters actual temperature.

Our water temperature sensor is located behind the electrical conductivity sensor on all of our Aquaprobes and Aquasondes and Leveline-CTD products.

Our temperature sensors are fitted pre calibrated so you never have to worry about calibration of this sensor. It is located embedded in the DO/EC sensor directly behind the electrical conductivity electrodes

Key Features

Built into our conductivity sensor.
Measurement range of -5 - +50 Degrees C.
Accurate to +/-0.5 degrees C.

Our temperature sensor comes as standard on many of our probes, below are some examples. To see all of the probes that feature temperature please visit the Products section.

AquaPlus

Portable, GPS AquaPlus Optical DO/EC system

AP-5000

Advanced portable multi-parameter Aquaprobe.

LeveLine CTD

Adds conductivity and salinity measurements

Always Included

The conductivity sensor is included on every Aquaprobe and Aquasonde, it is also included in the AquaPlus optical dissolved oxygen sensor and our Leveline-CTD water level and conductivity logger. Its design is simple and robust and the sensor itself requires little maintenance to keep it operational.

More on EC testing

Each species of organism thrives in a specific temperature range, and many animals use temperature as a signal for when to reproduce and when to migrate. If there is an abnormality in temperature this can disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems with devastating effect. Water temperature also impacts water density; differences in water temperature and density can cause stratification.

Changes in temperature levels in water can be caused by a wide number of factors, both natural and anthropogenic. Natural causes include weather, groundwater inputs and turbidity. Anthropogenic causes include removal of streambank vegetation that previously provided shade, impoundments (body of water confined by a barrier, such as a dam), discharge of cooling water, and urban stormwater runoff. Using a water temperature monitor can help to detect sources of thermal pollution and ensure the health of aquatic species.

How to use the EC sensor

A water temperature sensor forms an integral part of our multi parameter water testing equipment, because temperature affects so many other processes. It’s often necessary to compensate for temperature when measuring other parameters; our Aquaprobe devices do this automatically.

Temperature levels in water vary with width and depth. It stands to reason that water is warmer in water where the sun’s warmth is able to penetrate. Water that is shaded will be cooler on a sunny day than water that is not shaded. Ideally, the vertical and horizontal temperature profiles of a water body should be determined at least once per sampling site. This is achieved by collecting temperature measurements at varying depths and across the surface of the water. Water temperature probe tests should always be taken at the same place each time.

When to use the electrical conductivity sensor

Aquaread’s water temperature monitor can be used at any time, but it is important to understand that water temperature fluctuates diurnally, between day and night, and seasonally.

Using a water temperature sensor over a period of time allows the user to gain an understanding of these variations in water temperature, and of what is normal for each specific sample site. Knowing what is normal allows for the identification of abnormalities. As temperature affects so many other processes, a temperature reading is taken almost every time water is sampled and investigated.