How is turbidity defined in the context of water quality?

Turbidity in the context of water quality is defined as the cloudiness or haziness that is caused by the presence of small particles suspended in the water. These particles can include silt, clay, organic matter, and microorganisms, which scatter light as it passes through the water, thereby affecting its clarity. High turbidity can indicate poor water quality and can interfere with the ability of aquatic plants and animals to thrive, as well as complicate water treatment processes.

In understanding water quality, turbidity is an important parameter because it can affect the efficacy of disinfection methods and can serve as an indicator of other potential pollutants in the water. It is not related to temperature, the presence of harmful chemicals, or the levels of dissolved oxygen, which are separate aspects of water quality. Therefore, defining turbidity as the cloudiness caused by small particles accurately captures its meaning and significance in assessing water quality.