What does "turbidity" measure in the context of aquatic environments?

Turbidity specifically measures the clarity of water in aquatic environments. It refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a liquid caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye. In the context of aquatic ecosystems, higher turbidity levels often indicate the presence of suspended solids, such as sediments, organic matter, or microorganisms, which can affect water quality and aquatic life.

When turbidity increases, it can lead to reduced light penetration into the water column, which in turn can affect photosynthetic organisms like aquatic plants and algae. This is significant because light availability is critical for these organisms to produce oxygen and support other life forms in the ecosystem.

Maintaining appropriate levels of turbidity is essential for healthy aquatic ecosystems, which is why understanding what turbidity measures is important for effective aquatic management and conservation efforts.