Continuous groundwater pH measurements have begun!

New groundwater measurements were initiated in the TAKOMO project when continuous pH meters were installed in two groundwater wells located in the Kokkola Industrial Park. The meters measure the acidity of the water six times a day. The installed meters are being used to test whether the pH of groundwater can be measured continuously and whether any problems may arise in the measurements over time. The functionality of the meters is being evaluated by taking comparative measurements with a manual pH meter. The electrical conductivity of the groundwater will also be compared to its acidity.

The pH meters were placed in wells located near the sea. This provides an interesting addition to the research, as groundwater in the area is generally slightly acidic, while seawater is slightly alkaline. Can pH indicate when seawater may rise into groundwater pipes, or is electrical conductivity a clearer indicator of this?