What does turbidity indicate in water?

Turbidity specifically refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by the presence of suspended particles, such as sediment, algae, or other contaminants. When water is turbid, it means that light cannot easily pass through due to these particles, leading to a cloudy appearance. Measuring turbidity is important in water quality assessments, as it can indicate the level of potential pollutants and affect aquatic life.

The other options do not accurately describe turbidity. For example, the presence of chlorine relates to water disinfection and its concentration, not the visual clarity of the water. Water temperature and pH level are also distinct water quality parameters that do not pertain to turbidity. Understanding turbidity helps in assessing the overall health and safety of water sources.