Marine Biology

Turbidity

Because of the great number of particles is suspension in the water of estuaries¸ atleast at certain times of the year; the turbidity of the water is high. Highest turbidities occur during times of maximum river flow. Turbidity is generally at a minimum near the mouth, where  seawater occurs and increases with distance inland. The more an estuary approaches a lagoon type, the more the turbidity and it  is a function of the plankton concentration or wind speed (producing resuspention).

The major ecological effect of turbidity is a marked decrease in the penetration of light.This in turn, decreases photosynthesis by phytoplankton and benthic plants, thereby reducing productivity. Under conditions of severe turbidity, phytoplankton production may be negligible, and the major production of organic matter is by emergent marsh plants.