What does turbidity measure?Group of answer choicesThe toxicity of the waterThe clarity of the waterThe temperature of the waterThe salinity of the water

Understanding Turbidity

1. Definition: Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid, which is caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye, similar to smoke in air.

2. Measurement: Turbidity indicates how much light is scattered by particles suspended in a liquid. It is usually measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).

3. Relevance in Water Quality: High turbidity in water can indicate the presence of pollutants, which can affect aquatic life and indicate water quality issues.

Analyzing the Options

1. The toxicity of the water: While high turbidity might correlate with higher toxicity, turbidity itself does not measure toxicity directly.

2. The clarity of the water: This is the most accurate description of turbidity. It measures how clear or cloudy the water is.

3. The temperature of the water: Turbidity does not measure temperature.

4. The salinity of the water: Salinity refers to the salt concentration in water, which turbidity does not measure.

Final Answer

Turbidity measures the clarity of the water.