Turbidity
What is it? Water turbidity measures how cloudy a sample of water is as a result of suspended particles. Since these particles occur as a result of both sediment erosion and plankton growth, turbidity can indicate the general state of stream processes for a location.
Why is it important? In lakes and rivers, high levels can mean very little light is reaching the bottom, which can prevent the growth of submerged plant life and affect aquatic species that are dependent on them for nutrients. High levels can also affect the ability of fish gills to absorb dissolved oxygen.
What does it mean? Generally measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs), this value indicates the clarity of a water sample. Turbidity in open water may be caused by the growth of phytoplankton or human activities such as construction, mining, and agriculture, which enter the bodies of water due to rain storm runoff.