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Turbidity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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turbidity

[tษœหrหˆbษชdษ™ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

water quality

Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye. It is a key indicator of water quality, affecting the amount of light that can penetrate water bodies, which in turn affects aquatic life.

Synonyms

cloudiness, murkiness, opaqueness.

Examples of usage

  • The turbidity of the river increased after the rain.
  • High turbidity can indicate pollution in the water.
  • The team measured the turbidity levels to assess the lake's health.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • High turbidity in water bodies can indicate pollution and is harmful to aquatic life.
  • Excessive turbidity reduces sunlight penetration, affecting photosynthesis in plants underwater.

Health and Safety

  • Drinking water with high turbidity can harbor harmful microorganisms, leading to health risks.
  • Regulatory agencies often monitor turbidity levels to ensure water safety for public consumption.

Water Treatment

  • Water treatment plants use flocculation, a process that helps reduce turbidity by clumping particles together for removal.
  • Turbidity is an important factor in assessing water quality in various sectors, including agriculture and aquaculture.

Indicators of Change

  • Changes in turbidity can indicate natural events like storms or human activities like construction near water bodies.
  • Monitoring turbidity helps scientists understand erosion patterns and sediment transport in rivers.

Origin of 'turbidity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'turbiditas', meaning 'disturbance' or 'muddiness'.
  • It reflects the concept of being stirred up or mixed, which makes water not clear.

The term 'turbidity' originates from the Latin word 'turbidus,' meaning 'confused, disturbed, or muddy.' It was used in medieval Latin to refer to cloudiness in liquids. The concept of turbidity became important in various scientific fields, particularly in hydrology and environmental science, as researchers sought to understand the implications of particle suspension in fluids. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass measurements and standards in water quality assessment, leading to its widespread use in modern environmental and engineering contexts. Turbidity is measured in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) and is a critical parameter in evaluating the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,899, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.