What is turbidity in water primarily caused by?

Turbidity in water refers to the cloudiness or haziness that results from the presence of suspended particles. These particles can include various substances such as silt, clay, organic matter, microorganisms, and other solids. When light passes through water, these suspended particles scatter and absorb the light, making the water appear less transparent, which is what we identify as turbidity.

High turbidity can indicate a number of environmental issues, including erosion, runoff, and pollution, and can affect aquatic organisms by reducing light penetration and disrupting photosynthesis. Monitoring turbidity is essential in water quality assessments, especially in natural bodies of water and drinking water sources.

The other factors mentioned, such as organic matter, temperature, and pH, can influence water quality, but they do not directly define turbidity. While organic matter can be a contributing factor to turbidity, it is the physical presence of suspended particles that is the primary cause of turbidity itself.