Turbidity

Turbidity is the measurement of water clarity and can be used to determine how cloudy or opaque water appearance is. Suspended solids and dissolved material in the water will cause water to appear murkier, thus showing an increase in the level of turbidity. Typically the suspended solids found in water come from sediment such as silt or clay, while organic material such as algae or plankton can also be detected.

 

 

Turbidity is important when monitoring water as it is a good visual indication of the waters quality. The presence of high levels of turbidity can be a good indication of the presence of agricultural runoff, sediment erosion, CSO discharges or algal blooms. While the turbidity values in most natural applications will vary, a sudden change or spike in these values can have detrimental effects on both aquatic life and can also introduce the potential for flood risk.