What does turbidity measure in a water stream?

Turbidity measures the cloudiness of water, which is an indication of the amount of particles suspended in the water. These particles can include sediments, algae, organic matter, and other substances that scatter light. When water is clear, it has low turbidity, while water that appears cloudy or murky has high turbidity. High levels of turbidity can affect water quality and aquatic life by interfering with photosynthesis, harming organisms that live in the water, and indicating potential pollution.

Understanding turbidity is essential in wastewater management and environmental assessments because it reflects overall water quality and the potential effectiveness of treatment processes. The other options do not relate directly to turbidity; temperature measures heat, concentration of nutrients focuses on specific substances dissolved in the water, and the presence of heavy metals involves chemical testing for contaminants.