what is turbidity?
Turbidity is the measure of relative clarity of a liquid. Material that causes water to be turbid include clay, silt, finely divided inorganic and organic matter, algae, soluble colored organic compounds, and plankton and other microscopic organisms. Another word used for most of these terms is sediment. Soil erosion causes sedimentation in the water. This can cause eutrophication. Sediment can also clog fish gills, slowing growth and affecting egg development. Sediment destroys natural habitats for fish. Furthermore, “High concentrations of particulate matter affect light penetration and productivity, recreational values, and habitat quality, and cause lakes to fill in faster. In streams, increased sedimentation and siltation can occur, which can result in harm to habitat areas for fish and other aquatic life. Particles also provide attachment places for other pollutants, notably metals and bacteria. For this reason, turbidity readings can be used as an indicator of potential pollution in a water body” (Turbidity 1). Additionally, turbidity can provide food and shelter for pathogens. If not removed, turbidity can promote regrowth of pathogens in the distribution system, leading to waterborne disease outbreaks.
Perlman, Howard, and Usgs. “Turbidity.” Turbidity - Water Properties, USGS Water Science
School, water.usgs.gov/edu/turbidity.html.
https://cfpub.epa.gov/npstbx/files/ksmo_sediment.pdf
“Water Quality.” Soil Quality: Basics: Value of Soil: Water Quality,
soilquality.org/basics/value_water_quality.html.
School, water.usgs.gov/edu/turbidity.html.
https://cfpub.epa.gov/npstbx/files/ksmo_sediment.pdf
“Water Quality.” Soil Quality: Basics: Value of Soil: Water Quality,
soilquality.org/basics/value_water_quality.html.
Prevent Soil Erosion and Sedimentation
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