Which physical property is significant for water treatment?

Turbidity is a significant physical property in water treatment because it directly affects the quality of drinking water and can indicate the presence of pathogens, organic materials, and other contaminants. High turbidity can interfere with disinfection processes, as it can shield microorganisms from disinfectants like chlorine, leading to ineffective treatment. Monitoring and controlling turbidity during water treatment processes is essential to ensure that the water is clear and safe for consumption.

While pH, dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity are important parameters in water quality analysis, they play different roles in the treatment process. pH can influence the effectiveness of disinfectants and the solubility of minerals, while dissolved solids provide insight into the general composition of the water. Electrical conductivity indicates the ability of water to conduct electricity, which is related to the concentration of ions but does not directly reflect the presence of hazardous materials as turbidity does. Thus, turbidity stands out as a critical indicator for effectively ensuring safe drinking water.