What parameter is used to indicate the clarity of water?

Turbidity is the parameter that specifically measures the clarity of water. It indicates the degree to which water is opaque or cloudy due to the presence of suspended particles, such as silt, clay, algae, or organic matter. High turbidity can impede light penetration in water bodies, affecting photosynthesis in aquatic plants and leading to negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. It is quantified in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs), with lower values indicating clearer water.

On the other hand, pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of water, which is crucial for maintaining biological and chemical processes but does not directly reflect clarity. Conductivity assesses the ability of water to conduct electrical current, which is related to the concentration of ions but not indicative of water clarity. Dissolved oxygen is essential for aquatic life, measuring the amount of oxygen available in water, yet it is not connected to the clarity of the water itself. Thus, turbidity serves as the key indicator of water clarity.