ICP Results Help

[jimb090]

Hi, can anyone help me with these results that I just got back? I'm confused at the salinity/sodium and chloride readings.

Firstly, I've been using a refractometer, calibrated regularly and consistently sitting at 1.024/1.025 S.G. these results would indicated a S.G. of 1.022. are refractometers that inaccurate? Or is mine a dud? Is there any more accurate way or reading this or recommendations for a decent one?

Secondly, if my sodium and chloride concentrations are good, how is the salinity so far off? Won't increasing the salt concentration send these too high?

Thanks

Jim

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@Randy Holmes-Farley

 

[redfishbluefish]

How are you calibrating your refractometer? If you're using RO/DI you can easily get inaccurate results. Best to use a calibration solution as close to the values you wish to measure. If not purchasing the solution, you can make your own. HERE's Randy's recipe.

 

[rtparty]

Do NOT use any pre made calibration solutions. They are all junk. Make your own with some Morton’s table salt and RO water

You want 35ppt or 1.0264sg seawater

 

[jimb090]

How are you calibrating your refractometer? If you're using RO/DI you can easily get inaccurate results. Best to use a calibration solution as close to the values you wish to measure. If not purchasing the solution, you can make your own. HERE's Randy's recipe.

That's awesome, thanks a lot. I have been using RODI. Any ideas on the sodium and chloride being in range?