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 Turbidity |
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Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. Water cloudiness is caused by material, such as dirt and residue from leaves, that is suspended (floating) in the water. If you look at a river after a storm, it will be full of sediment and definitely not clear. You're seeing all of the suspended soil in the water. Usually the materials that cause turbidity in our drinking water either settle out or are filtered before the water arrives in our drinking glass at home. |
Health Effects: Turbidity may be composed of organic and/or inorganic constituents. Organic particulates may harbor high concentrations of bacteria, viruses, and protozoans.. Thus, turbid conditions may increase the possibility for waterborne disease.
| Field Procedure for Turbidity: Turbidity can be measured by comparing a sample of stream water against a standard. In deeper water a Secchi Disc can be dropped into the water until the black and white marks on it disappear.. The depth is then read and compared to a chart for a turbidity reading. Many kits employ the Jackson Turbidity Test. The fuzziness of a mark at the bottom of a clear tube filled with sample stream water is compared to the mark in a similar tube filled with distilled water; if there is a difference in clarity, a reagent is added and the number of drops needed for both marks to appear equally clear is counted. The number is the "Jackson Turbidity Unit" or JTU's. |
Turbidity kits and equipment are available from the Hach Company or the Lamotte Company, or any scientific supply company. Also, see the materials section.
For information on the Washington Virtual Classroom or this website contact Sherry Schaaf at sschaaf@esd114.wednet.edu