Turbidity5

Turbidity What is turbidity? Turbidity reflects the amount of suspended matter in the water. Suspended matter in a stream or river would include silt, clay, and small organisms. These particles can get there during storms.

How does turbidity affect wildlife? The suspended solids can clog fish gills, reduce growth rates. The particles of silt or clay go to the bottom of the stream or river that is slow moving and it will smother fish eggs and aquatic insects.

How does human activities impact turbidity? Human activity can accelerate erosion which causes turbidity. Farming, construction, and mining can also increase the turbidity of a stream or river. This is a Secchi disk that is used to measure turbidity.