Galvanic Applied Sciences USA, Inc.
101 Billerica Ave, Bldg. 5, Suite 104.
North Billerica, MA. 01862
Tel: 978-848-2701
Fax: 978-848-2713
Email: [email protected]
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General
What does turbidity mean?
Turbidity is an “appearance” parameter, which describes the characteristic of a transparent product, to
scatter light. Turbidity is a measure of the amount of suspended “particles” in a solution (e.g. water).
Turbidity is the optical property that causes light to be scattered and absorbed rather than transmitted in
straight lines through the sample. A focused light beam will be attenuated and scattered in hazy products.
What causes turbidity?
Turbidity is caused by “particles” in transparent solutions. A particle is defined as something with a
different refractive index as the carrier product. As “particle” concentration increases in a solution, there
is greater the light scattering; this results in a greater turbidity measurement. Some examples of
“particles” are:
minerals, clay, yeast cells, metals, oil drops in water, gas bubbles, aerosols, and milk in
water.
Measurement of turbidity?
Turbidity is not an absolute measurement parameter such as temperature or pressure
.
For this reason turbidity measurement systems will typically be calibrated by using a reference
suspension standard such as formazin and diatomaceous earth.
