While TSS is a natural parameter, turbidity is a little more ambiguous. The measurement of turbidity has changed throughout the years. Standard Methods says it best when it describes turbidity as: “an expression of the optical property that causes light to be scattered or absorbed.” Light is “scattered or absorbed” by our old friend, suspended solids. However, whereas TSS is simply a mass per unit volume (i.e. milligrams per liter) or “how much” and has no regard for what makes up the particles, turbidity is a measurement of how those particles reflect and absorb light.

Reprinted with Permission from Orival Inc