Turbidity parameter video transcript

Turbidity refers to the clarity of water. It is caused by particles of dirt and algae suspended in the water.

High turbidity reduces the penetration of sunlight inhibiting photosynthesis in water plants. Plants are an important part of the ecosystem as they provide food, habitat and oxygen and absorb nutrients.

Turbidity is measured in NTUs. This stands for nephelometric turbidity unit. To measure the turbidity of the water at Longneck Lagoon EEC you will use the turbidity tube which comes in two parts and the water sample bottle.

You will need a sample of the water. Use the sample bottle to collect this.

Place your assembled turbidity tube on the ground so you can look down and see the three wavy lines on the base. Tip a small amount of water from the sample bottle into the tube, look down the tube and see if the black wavy lines at the bottom are still visible. If they are, continue to add small amounts of water and check until you can no longer see the black wavy lines.

Read the number corresponding to the water level. If the water is between two lines read down to the closest line.

Your turbidity reading is in NTUs or nephelometric turbidity units.