Chloride

What is it? Chloride is a negatively charged ion that is formed when chlorine gains an additional electron. It is often found in the form of sodium and potassium salts, which are very soluble in water.

Why is it important? Almost all natural bodies of water contain chloride but the concentrations can vary depending on the mineral content of the surrounding rock or soil. Chloride also enters the water from human sources including: agricultural runoff, road salts, industry wastewater, among other things.

What does it mean? Measuring Chloride can be one way of measuring pollution in water. Above normal concentrations of Chloride can significantly impact plant and aquatic life. Some plankton are very sensitive to large concentrations and without these little guys to eat the algae, we see significant problems like lack of dissolved oxygen.

Water Rangers Protocol: We do not currently include a test for this in our kit.