What does "turbidity" gauge in water quality assessments?

Turbidity is a key indicator of water quality that measures the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid, which is primarily caused by the presence of a high number of individual particles suspended in the water. These particles can include sediments, algae, microbes, and other pollutants. High levels of turbidity can affect aquatic life by reducing light penetration, inhibiting photosynthesis in aquatic plants, and can also serve as a carrier for contaminants like pathogens and nutrients, thus impacting water quality and ecosystem health.

By assessing turbidity, water quality professionals can gain insights into the physical condition of the water body, which can be crucial for activities such as environmental monitoring, sediment control efforts, and assessing the effectiveness of erosion control practices.