Measuring Salinity and Density of Seawater Samples with Different Salt Compositions and Suspended Materials

Abstract

Determining the solute mass amount in seawater using in situ measurements in seas and oceans is currently an unresolved problem. To solve it, it is necessary to develop both new methods and instruments for measurements. The authors of this article analyzed methods for the indirect measurement of salinity and density using parameters that can be measured in situ, including relative electrical conductivity, speed of sound, temperature, and hydrostatic pressure. The authors propose an electric conductivity sensor design that allows for the obtainment of data on solid suspensions along with measuring the impedance of electrodes under various the alternating current frequencies. The authors analyzed the joint measurement technique using the Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) and Sound Velocity Profiler (SVP) devices in a marine testing area. Based on the results of joint measurements, the authors present tests of water samples of various salt compositions for the presence of solid suspensions.