Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye. These particles can include silt, clay, organic matter, and microorganisms. In water quality assessment, turbidity is an important parameter because it can affect light penetration, which is crucial for photosynthesis in aquatic ecosystems, and can also interfere with disinfection processes in water treatment (APHA, 2017).
One major disadvantage of high turbidity in water is that it can harbor pathogens. The particles suspended in turbid water can protect bacteria, viruses, and protozoa from the effects of disinfection, making water unsafe for drinking and other uses (EPA, 2020). Additionally, high turbidity can negatively impact aquatic life by reducing the amount of light that penetrates the water, affecting the growth of aquatic plants and disrupting the food chain (Crommentuyn et al., 2019).
References:
- APHA. (2017). Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater (23rd ed.). American Public Health Association.
- EPA. (2020). Water quality standards for turbidity. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Crommentuyn, K., et al. (2019). The impact of high turbidity on aquatic environments. Environmental Science & Technology.