What are Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) primarily used for?

Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) are specifically designed to measure the turbidity of a liquid, which is an indication of the water's clarity. Turbidity arises from a variety of suspended materials such as sediment, algae, and organic matter, which can scatter light passing through the water. The NTU measurement is conducted using a nephelometer, which shines a light through a water sample and measures the angle of light that is scattered by the particles in suspension. Higher NTU levels indicate increased turbidity, which can affect water quality significantly.

Using NTU is crucial for assessing various aspects of water quality, particularly in drinking water and wastewater treatment processes, as it provides a quick and quantifiable metric that can indicate potential issues such as contamination or the presence of pathogens. Understanding turbidity is vital for complying with water quality standards and ensuring the safety of drinking water supplies, as cloudy water can harbor harmful microorganisms that pose health risks to humans.