Turbidity measures what characteristic of water?

Turbidity is a measure of how clear or cloudy water is, which directly relates to its cloudiness. This characteristic is influenced by the presence of suspended particles, such as sediments, microorganisms, and organic matter. When these particles scatter light in the water, they increase turbidity, making it appear murky or less transparent. High turbidity levels can impair aquatic life by reducing light penetration, affecting photosynthesis in aquatic plants, and can also be an indicator of water quality, as it may signal pollution or erosion issues. Understanding turbidity is crucial in environmental science and water management to help evaluate the health of aquatic ecosystems and ensure safe water supply. The other options—temperature, flow rate, and noise level—do not relate to turbidity and measure different aspects of water or environmental conditions.