Turbidade

Turbidade, also known as turbidity, is a measure of the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye, similar to smoke in air. It is a key parameter in water quality assessment, as it indicates the presence of suspended particles such as clay, silt, finely divided organic and inorganic matter, and microscopic organisms. Turbidity can be caused by various factors, including soil erosion, agricultural runoff, and industrial discharge. High turbidity levels can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, as it can reduce light penetration, affecting photosynthesis in plants and algae, and disrupting the food chain. Additionally, turbidity can affect water treatment processes, as it can clog filters and reduce the efficiency of disinfection methods. Monitoring turbidity is essential for maintaining water quality and ensuring the health of aquatic environments. Turbidity is typically measured using a turbidimeter, which quantifies the amount of light scattered by particles in the water. The results are usually expressed in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) or formazin nephelometric units (FNU).