Turbidity is the degree of transparency that water or any colorless liquid loses due to the appearance of suspended particles in it. The turbidity of the liquid increases with the increase of solids present in the liquid; the more solids, the higher the turbidity.
Turbidity is an important factor in determining the quality of water in its potabilization, the more transparent the purer (higher quality); conversely, the more turbid the water, the more contamination or mixture of water with another type of component (low quality). The solids and particles suspended in water are possible carriers of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Therefore, water turbidity control is required to avoid the spread of infectious diseases. That is why turbidity meters are applied in water treatment plants and purification plants. They also have applications in the chemical industry, in wastewater control, and in power generation.
The turbidity of the water, which is the focused liquid, is influenced by the following factors: presence of phytoplankton, presence of algae or algal growth; presence of sediments caused by erosion; presence of sediments detached from the bottom, among others.
Turbidity measurement
Turbidity is measured in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). The implement used to measure water turbidity is the turbidimeter (turbidity meter) or nephelometer.
Turbidimeters are used to measure turbidity in water, sugar, beer, wine, and beverages in general. A turbidity measurement helps to quickly estimate the concentration of total suspended solids, allowing to determine the quality of the measured liquid.
How does a turbidimeter work?
A tubidity meter measures the suspended particles from the optical detector, with a beam of light and a light detector that is fixed at 90° to the original beam, the density of the particles are a function of the light reflected by the light from the particles suspended in the detector.
Turbidity limit for human consumption
According to WHO, the turbidity of water for human consumption should not exceed 5 NTU; ideally, the turbidity level should be below 1 NTU. The established limits are set to guarantee a perfect visible water, which in turn will be hygienically perfect. All in order to avoid diseases and infections that would be caused if the limits are exceeded.
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