Turbidity Fact Sheet
Definition: Cloudiness
of the water, caused by suspended materials that can be seen and
that scatter the light which passes through the water...(Turbid
waters are those in which you cannot see your feet in knee deep
water).
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The
Secchi Disk
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Low Turbidity
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High Turbidity
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Causes of Turbidity:
- Soil Erosion
- Waste Discharge
- Urban Runoff
- Bottom feeders, such as carp, kick up
sediment as they search for food on the bottom of the waterway.
- Algal growth
Consequences of Turbidity:
- As turbidity increases, water loses
its ability to support diverse aquatic organisms.
- It warms water by absorbing heat.
- It blocks photosynthesis
- It irritates and clogs gills of fish.
- It irritates filter feeding insects
and mussels.
- It smothers egg masses & nest sites.
- It carries nutrients and pesticides.
- It decreases visibility for predators
and prey.
Water Quality:
