Turbidity describes the
clarity in the water, looking at the
dissolved solids, including
clay,
silt,
plankton,
industrial wastes, and
sewage.
With higher levels of turbidity the
watercan not support a
diversity of
aquatic organisms. Water becomes
warmer and
dissolved oxygen levels fall as less
light penetrates the water.
Photosynthesis is slowed down, which further drops the
oxygen level.
All this can make it impossible for an
organism to survive. Excessive
sediments can also
clog gills of
fish which can become a major problem.