What physical water quality characteristic is caused by suspended particles such as mud, sand, silt, clay, or organic matter?

• A. Turbidity
• B. Color
• C. Odor
• D. Temperature

Answer: (A)

Turbidity is the physical water quality characteristic that describes how cloudy water is due to suspended particles like mud, sand, silt, clay, or organic matter. These particles scatter and absorb light, making water appear opaque or milky. This is distinct from color (which comes from dissolved or finely dispersed substances that give a tint), odor (volatile compounds that characterize smell), or temperature (the heat content of the water). So turbidity directly reflects the presence of those suspended solids, which is why it’s the correct description.