Turbidity Measurement

Description:

The term “turbidity” is used to describe the cloudy or milky appearance of liquid or solid media such as water (drinking, mineral, bathing or waste water), beverages (beer, wine or soft drinks) or window glass (translucent glass).

In physical terms, turbidity is due to particles of varying sizes scattering or absorbing light, giving the medium in question a cloudy appearance. This turbidity is caused by suspended particles such as sludge, limestone, yeast or microorganisms. Principle of TurbidityIn former days, researchers attempted to use visual systems as a means of turbidity measurement. “Jackson Turbidity Units” (JTU), for example, were based on a defined volume of dissolved silicic acid from the diatomaceous earth in water. Turbidity was measured using a candle turbidity meter, apparatus comprising a candle and a glass vessel that permitted visual comparison of the suspension with the silicic acid solution.

Today, it is still common practice to test water samples using a white “sight disc” made of cast bronze; the disc is lowered into the water until it can no longer be seen. The turbidity is then calculated on the basis of immersion depth. Today, the phenomenon of turbidity is measured using optoelectronic meters. An artificial light source emits a known intensity of light through a sample.

The suspended particles scatter or absorb the light. The scattered light is then recorded on a photodetector. Nowadays, the scattered light is generally measured at an angle of 90°. This measurement principle is known as nephelometry. A nephelometer is therefore a turbidity meter that measures scattered light at an angle of 90°. To obtain defined, reproducible results, turbidity meters are calibrated and adjusted using formazine solutions (reference standard).

These meters display their results in FNUs (Formazine Nephelometric Units). The result measured by a meter operating on the transmitted light principle is shown in FAUs (Formazine Attenuation Units). There are two standards for turbidity measurement that are widely accepted at an international level. EN ISO 7027, “Water quality, determination of turbidity” outlines all the possible methods for turbidity measurement. All optoelectronic methods require an infrared light source. This also permits testing of coloured samples. In its method 180.1, “Determination of turbidity by nephelometry”, the EPA in the US describes solely the nephelometric (scatter light) method using a so-called white light source (tungsten halogen lamp). The results measured by different units using the two aforementioned methods cannot be compared.

Portable and Laboratory Turbidity Meters for clear and coloured liquids.

TB 300 IR
New, high-precision instrument for laboratory and mobile use

TB 210 IR
The compact infrared turbidity meter TB 210 IR is designed to allow fast, precise on-site testing.

TB 250 WL
The TB 250 WL is equipped with a whitelight source.