What Is Turbidity And How It Is Measured?

Turbidity is the amount of clarity of the water in ponds, lakes, oceans, and rivers. It describes the amount of light scattered or blocked by particles in a water sample. It is imperative to measure the turbidity of water supplies as they undergo certain water treatment that can be affected by turbidity. Where chlorination of water is practiced, even low turbidity will prevent the ability of chlorine from killing the germs present in the water efficiently.

Some treatment systems include sedimentors, coagulators, Turbidity Monitor and gravel prefilters. It is important for operators of both small and large treatment systems to know how well these systems are working. Measuring the turbidity of the water before and after each part of the system can tell where cleaning and maintenance is required.

How Is Turbidity In The Water Measured?

Turbidity is an optical property of water and it is one of the difficult parameters to measure. How opaque the water is a subjective measurement. Based on the measurement method, different units have been used to standardise turbidity levels and allow comparisons. There are several methods, including using Turbidity instrument to measure the clarity of the water. However, each method has its own limitations and advantages. It could be measured directly with a TurBiScat instrument, sensor or indirectly with a secchi disc tube. Turbidity sensors are also used to measure the turbidity in water with optical technology. Instead of sample cells, it is placed directly in the water source to measure the clarity of the water.

Turbidity monitors are devices that have a light source, lens, and detector located 90° from the light source, working together to measure the turbidity of water sample. When sample water is placed into the path between the light source and detector, some of the particles in the water tend to scatter the light in such a way that it reaches the detector. The detectors help to determine the amount of light scattered and compares the reading.

Why Is It Important To Measure Turbidity?

Particles in turbid waters can contain various disease-causing pathogens and toxic pollutants. If there’s high turbidity in drinking water, it can shield bacteria and harmful microorganisms so that the chlorine in the water cannot disinfect the water as effectively as possible. Some pathogens present in turbidity water can cause cramps, nausea, and headaches. Besides, particles can also absorb pollutants that are toxic from industrial and urban discharges and storm water runoff. Many pollutants and particles can also alter the taste and odour of the water.. It may also interfere with the proper function of washing machine, water heaters, dishwaters, showerheads, etc.

Other than drinking water, wastewater, and environmental use, measuring turbidity is beneficial for food and beverage industry as well.

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