Turbidity
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for a more in-depth look at turbidity (from our newsletter)

Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. Turbidity is affected by suspended particles, or solids that cannot dissolve, including clay, silt, sand, algae, and plankton. Natural factors like wave action, changes in seasonal light intensity, and erosion, all can alter turbidity. However, often times turbidity is increased by human activities. Clear cut logging, construction, and mining all greatly increase unnatural soil erosion which rapidly changes turbidity. Regular monitoring of turbidity can help detect trends that might indicate increasing erosion from these activities. Changes in turbidity can have dramatic impacts on the aquatic ecosystem.

Examples include:

· Suspended sediments trap heat, raising the temperature of the water and decreasing the amount of oxygen it can hold.
· When turbidity levels are high, less light passes through the water, and photosynthesis slows, decreasing oxygen levels and primary productivity.
· Water that is highly turbid can clog the gills of fish and bury their eggs.

Turbidity was our Featured Parameter for October 2003. Learn more about turbidity taken from our Newsletter (Volume 1).


Observations made on Stream Team about turbidity: