What is turbidity a measure of?

Turbidity specifically refers to the clarity of water, which is affected by the presence of particulate matter suspended in it. This suspended matter can include a variety of things such as silt, clay, organic matter, and microorganisms. When these particles are present in high concentrations, they can make the water appear cloudy or murky, indicating that the water is turbid.

Measuring turbidity is essential in water treatment and quality assessment, as it can directly impact the health of aquatic ecosystems and the effectiveness of disinfection processes. High turbidity levels can hinder the ability of disinfectants to perform effectively and also indicate the presence of other harmful pollutants. Thus, the measurement of suspended matter is crucial for understanding the quality of water resources and ensuring public health.