Turbidity & EC in Water | Definition, Principle, Measurement & Importance

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Turbidity and Electrical Conductivity of Water | Complete Environmental Studies Guide
Water quality is an important part of environmental science. Two simple but significant parameters used to assess water quality are Turbidity and Electrical Conductivity (EC). They provide useful information about suspended particles, dissolved ions and the overall characteristics of water.
1. Turbidity
What is Turbidity?
Turbidity is the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by the presence of suspended particles such as:
Clay and silt
Organic matter
Algae and microorganisms
Fine soil particles
Other suspended materials
When light passes through turbid water, these particles scatter the light. The amount of scattered light is related to the turbidity of the water.
Measurement of Turbidity
Turbidity is commonly measured using a nephelometer/turbidity meter.
The result is generally expressed in:
NTU – Nephelometric Turbidity Units
A standard turbidity suspension is used as a reference for calibration. In the notes shown, a formazin-based standard is mentioned; such standards are commonly used for turbidity measurement.
Basic Principle
The principle can be summarized as:
Suspended particles → Light scattering → Measurement of scattered light → Turbidity value
Higher turbidity generally indicates a greater concentration of suspended material.
Environmental Importance
High turbidity can:
Reduce light penetration in water
Affect aquatic plants and photosynthesis
Transport microorganisms and pollutants
Interfere with drinking-water treatment
Indicate soil erosion or surface runoff
Therefore, turbidity is an important physical parameter of water quality.
2. Electrical Conductivity (EC)
What is Electrical Conductivity?
Electrical Conductivity (EC) is the ability of water to conduct an electrical current.
Pure water has relatively low electrical conductivity, while natural water generally contains dissolved ions such as:
Calcium (Ca²⁺)
Magnesium (Mg²⁺)
Sodium (Na⁺)
Potassium (K⁺)
Chloride (Cl⁻)
Sulphate (SO₄²⁻)
Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
These dissolved ions allow electrical current to pass through water.
Measurement of Electrical Conductivity
EC is measured using a conductivity meter equipped with a conductivity cell containing electrodes.
The conductivity measurement depends on the cell geometry, represented by the cell constant.
The commonly used unit is:
S/cm – Siemens per centimetre
Other commonly encountered units include:
mS/cm – millisiemens per centimetre
µS/cm – microsiemens per centimetre
The older unit mho/cm may also be encountered in older environmental-science notes.
Effect of Temperature
Electrical conductivity is temperature-dependent. Therefore, EC measurements are often reported or corrected to a standard reference temperature, commonly 25°C.
As temperature changes, the conductivity of water generally changes as well.
Turbidity vs Electrical Conductivity
Parameter
Turbidity
Electrical Conductivity
Measures
Suspended particles/cloudiness
Dissolved ionic substances
Principle
Light scattering
Electrical conduction
Instrument
Turbidity meter/nephelometer
Conductivity meter
Common unit
NTU
µS/cm or mS/cm
Main indicator
Suspended matter
Dissolved ions/salts
Temperature effect
Comparatively limited
Significant
Conclusion
Turbidity and Electrical Conductivity are important water-quality parameters. Turbidity primarily indicates the presence of suspended particles, whereas electrical conductivity provides an indication of the concentration of dissolved ions in water. Together, they help in monitoring drinking water, groundwater, surface water and wastewater.
📌 Quick Revision
Turbidity → Suspended particles → Light scattering → NTU
Electrical Conductivity → Dissolved ions → Electrical current → µS/cm or mS/cm
This topic is especially useful for Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Water Pollution, B.Sc./M.Sc. exams and competitive-exam preparation.

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