What is typically assessed during a turbidity test?

• A. Concentration of chlorine
• B. Amount of dissolved solids
• C. Clarity of water
• D. Presence of microorganisms

Answer: (C)

A turbidity test primarily measures the clarity of water. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye. These particles can be microorganisms, sediments, or other substances that may affect water quality. High turbidity can impact the aesthetic quality of water and indicates potential problems with water treatment processes, as it can hinder disinfection efforts by shielding pathogens from disinfectants like chlorine.

Other options refer to different aspects of water quality testing. For instance, the concentration of chlorine is assessed through other specific tests that focus on disinfection levels. The amount of dissolved solids is measured through differing methods that quantify substances dissolved in water, while the presence of microorganisms typically involves testing for specific pathogens rather than turbidity. Therefore, the correct answer underscores the primary focus of a turbidity test on assessing how clear the water is, which directly relates to water quality standards and treatment efficacy.