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Home The River Basin People and the River Governance Resource Management
The River Basin
 Introduction
Geography
Climate and Weather
Hydrology
Water Quality
 Principles of Water Quality
Physical Characteristics
 Water Temperature
 Dissolved Oxygen
 Conventional Variables
 Chemical Parameters
 Biological Parameters
 Qualitative Characteristics
 Human Impacts on Water Quality
Ecology & Biodiversity
Watersheds
 References

 



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Physical Water Characteristics  

The commonly measured physical characteristics are temperature, colour, taste, odour and turbidity. These can be subjectively evaluated through use of our five senses. Quantitative measurements require special instruments to accurately measure temperature (ºC), dissolved oxygen (DO) and the conventional variables: pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and total suspended sediment (TSS). Taste and odour tests typically require panels of specially trained individuals in a controlled environment to obtain reproducible results.

Physical characteristics are explored further through the following subjects:

Good water quality assures the conservation of ecosystems along the Kunene River.
Source: Quick 2008
( click to enlarge )

 

 



Interactive

Explore the sub-basins of the Kunene River


Video Interviews about the integrated and transboundary management of the Kunene River basin


Explore the interactions of living organisms in aquatic environments


Examine how the hydrologic cycle moves water through and around the earth