What is turbidity a measurement of?

Turbidity is primarily a measurement of light scatter by particles in the water. When light passes through a water sample, it can be scattered by suspended particles such as silt, clay, plankton, and other microorganisms. The degree to which the light is scattered indicates how clear or cloudy the water is, which is quantified as turbidity. High turbidity can also suggest the presence of pollutants or sediment, making it an important parameter to monitor in water quality assessments and wastewater treatment processes.

Understanding turbidity is crucial, particularly in the context of environmental monitoring and treatment efficacy. It helps determine how well water treatment processes are performing, as these processes often aim to reduce the concentration of suspended solids that contribute to turbidity. Monitoring turbidity levels can provide insights into overall water quality, potentially signaling issues related to bacterial contamination, the presence of harmful substances, or sediment runoff.