Pitfalls in the Presentation of Chemical Data

Abstract

Summary Biologists in the aquatic sciences are often guilty of numerous errors in the presentation of their chemical data. This paper reviews the use of units in the representation of the inorganic constituents of aquatic solutions for their benefit. It explains the relationship between salinity, total dissolved solids and conductivity, and between the amount of substance and concentration, and specifies conditions in which each can be used. Methods for the mathematical verification of analytical results are briefly discussed. Tables of recommended units, conversion factors and molar conductivities are provided. It is concluded that chemical data can easily be reported correctly and that both authors and referees have a duty to ensure that this is done.