Turbidity in Drinking Water: Impacts and Mitigation

Abstract

Turbidity is a measure of the degree to which the water loses its transparency due to the presence of suspended particulates. In this paper, turbidity is caused by the suspended sediment in the raw water abstracted from the river. Therefore, turbidity is considered the cause of difficulties and hazards in the drinking water treatment plants in Sudan, especially those located on the Blue Nile River system, where the sediment content carried by the river is high during the flood period. In brief, the paper discusses drinking water resources in Sudan in general and in the capital Khartoum in particular. It identifies the main sources of turbidity in raw water and the negative impacts on the drinking water sector systems. The experiences of Sudan in this respect are highlighted. This encompasses various methods for managing turbidity, including manual, hydraulic, mechanical, chemical, and combined approaches. The main challenges faced by drinking water treatment plants regarding water turbidity are discussed. The environmental impacts and mitigation strategies are outlined. The paper discusses methods to address turbidity issues and therefore recommends appropriate solutions to ensure safe and healthy drinking water.