Using continuous electrical conductivity measurements to derive major solute concentrations in karst systems

Hydrochemical data of karst springs provide valuable insights into the internal hydrodynamical functioning systems and support model structure identification. However, collection high-frequency time series major solute species is limited by analysis costs. In this study, we develop a method to retrieve individual concentration their uncertainty at high temporal resolution for using continuous observations electrical conductivity ( EC $$ \mathrm{EC} ) low-frequency ionic measurements. Due large ion content non-negligible concentrations aqueous complexes in systems, each occurring as free part are computed separately. The ions considering contributions total , whereas obtained from speciation calculations. pivotal role complexation processes reconstruction starting signal investigated two karstic catchments with different geologies available hydrochemical datasets, that Kerschbaum dolostone system Austria Baget limestone France. results show significant should be considered estimation case SO4, Ca, Mg HCO3. spring can used interpolate quantify dynamics those solutes characterized contribution (approximately >6%) low relative variability, HCO3, Ca Mg. Moreover, presented estimate when applied stationary hydrogeochemical homogeneous contributing area. On contrary, affected dynamic varying water geological areas. This study aims contribute problem availability future works on conceptualization.