Optical Properties Of Turbidity Standards

Measurements of light scattering and light attenuation were made for suspensions of formazin and diatomaceous earth. Light scattering was measured for light of wavelength 632.8 nm at angles from 0.1° to 1.0° and for light of wavelengths 400, 500, 550, 600, 650, and 700 nm at 45°. Light attenuation was measured over a 25 cm pathlength for light of 660 nm. These measurements were made for suspensions which varied from 0 to 40 Jackson Turbidity Units of formazin and 0 to 40 mg/1 of diatomaceous earth. The results indicate the necessity for multiple optical measurements for determinations of turbidity of water. In addition the tables and curves presented may be used in the calibration of light scattering meters and transmissometers which are used for turbidity studies.