Turbidity can be defined as the measure of the clarity of an aqueous solution. It shows the optical characteristic of water.  When light is passed through water, the amount of light that is scattered by the material is the measure of turbidity. The higher turbidity is indicated by the higher intensity of scattered light. The main factors which cause turbidity are plankton, clay, slit, very tiny organic matter, algae, and other microbes. When the water body is still, the water remains generally clear less than 10 NTU, but when there is a rainstorm this water becomes muddy brown as dust particles from the environment are washed into the river, which indicates higher turbidity.  Due to high in-flows, settled material in the stream bed is stirred up, causing high Turbidity.

Filtration measures need to be taken to reduce turbidity to bring to safe levels for human consumption.

Hence Turbidity is an important water quality attribute that is measured to improve water quality.

Higher turbidity in water also affects the entire ecosystem including plants, animals, and aquatic organisms which indicates the necessity for monitoring of turbidity. To support the Water Industry,              

RLT Solutions provides a Hi-Tech Turbidity Analyzer that has the ability to Effectively Monitor Turbidity Accurately Online.

Environment Issues

Increased turbidity in water causes environmental consequences such as reduction in ecological productivity, habitat quality, faster filling of lakes and affects the colour of the water. The particles make the water absorb heat from the sunlight, resulting in the reduction of oxygen concentration in the water. 

The aquatic organisms are generally adapted to the naturally available turbidity found in the specific water body they inhabit. But due to higher sedimentation and siltation, it affects the habitat areas of aquatic life. Algae is the primary source of food for macro invertebrates and certain fish, which is reduced by turbidity. The particles decrease the photosynthetic activity of plants and algae, through the scattering of light, thus which contributes to lowering the oxygen concentration even more. These Particles also become a carrier for other pollutants such as metals and bacteria. Thus turbidity contributes majorly to the pollution in water.

Turbidity in Drinking Water

Turbidity is the aesthetic & quality parameter of water. Drinking water is termed turbid, when turbidity in the presence of pathogens turbidity of water is above 4 (NTU ). It appears cloudy as visible to the eye and not considered as water fit for drinking. 

According to WHO the drinking should be below 1 NTU ideally & not above 4 NTU.

Human Effects

Excessive turbidity directly threatens human health. Turbidity acts as a shield for disease-causing pathogens. If not treated well, it leads to waterborne disease, which can cause intestinal sickness. High turbidity in drinking water makes the chlorine treatment less effective at water treatment plants as it shields the bacteria and other organisms.

Research shows that there exists a strong relation between turbidity and protozoa. These pathogens can cause symptoms such as cramps, headaches, and nausea. The toxic pollutants from urban and industrial discharges are being absorbed by particles. Thus it also changes the taste and odor of water. 

Measuring Turbidity

Turbidity is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). There are different types of measuring methods that are used in turbidity measurement. Each measurement differs with the cost of implementation, accuracy, life of the instrument, and efficiency.

Secchi Disk

In this method, a disk called the Secchi disk is submerged into the water and it is continuously observed from the top, and when the disk is no longer visible the length of the cable is measured. Again the procedure is repeated by hauling the disk the cable length is measured. The average of measurements is taken as Secchi depth. This shows the level of transparency.

Jackson Candle Turbidimeter

The Jackson Candle Turbidimeter instrument consists of a flat-bottomed glass tube. Under the glass tube, a candle is placed. Water is poured into the glass tube until the candle’s visual image is observed clearly. This is the procedure followed in the Jackson candle turbidimeter.

Turbidity Analyzer

In this method, turbidity can be measured using a turbidity analyzer which is the latest technology to provide an accurate measure of turbidity. These turbidity sensors are used in many applications such as effluent measurements, control instrumentation for ponds, sediment transport research, river gaging, and laboratory.

 Conclusion

The best way to manage turbidity is to monitor its source and reduce the waste off. A turbidity analyzer is an instrument used to analyze turbidity and provide accurate data through which we can form control measures. RLT Instrumentation provides a premium turbidity analysis with a touch of world-class manufacturing quality. RLT provides services and support all over India.

Hope you find this blog useful and informative. Let me know what you think in the comment section below

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FAQS

What is Turbidity?

Turbidity can be defined as the measure of the clarity of an aqueous solution. It shows the optical characteristics of water.

What are the main factors of turbidity?

The main factors which cause turbidity are plankton, clay, slit, very tiny organic matter, algae, and other microbes.

How does turbidity affect the environment?

Increased turbidity in water causes environmental consequences such as reduction in ecological productivity, habitat quality, faster filling of lakes, and light penetration into the water.

What is the recommended level of turbidity in drinking water?

Turbidity is the aesthetic parameter of water, drinking water should be turbid, as turbidity indicates the presence of pathogens when the turbidity of water is above 4 (NTU ) appears cloudy, being visible to the eye and affecting the appearance, not good for drinking water. According to WHO the drinking should be below  1 NTU and at the maximum, it can be 4 NTU.

How Increased turbidity affects human health?

Excessive turbidity indirectly threatens human health. Because turbidity provides shields for disease-causing pathogens. If not treated well it leads to waterborne disease, which can cause intestinal sickness.

How increased turbidity promotes pathogen growth in water?

Research shows that there exists a strong relation between turbidity and protozoa. These pathogens can cause symptoms such as cramps, headaches, and nausea

What is the measuring unit of turbidity?

Turbidity is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).

How is turbidity measured using the Secchi Disk method?

In this method, a disk called the Secchi disk is submerged into the water and it is continuously observed from the top, and when the disk is no longer visible the length of the cable is measured. Again the procedure is repeated by hauling the disk the cable length is measured. The average of measurements is taken as Secchi depth.

How is turbidity measured using Jackson candle turbidimeter?

The Jackson Candle Turbidimeter instrument consists of a flat-bottomed glass tube. Under the glass tube, a candle is placed. Water is poured into the glass tube until the candle’s visual image is observed clearly. This is the procedure followed in the Jackson candle turbidimeter.