Physical water quality factors

Water temperature affects the solubility of gases like oxygen, the metabolic rates of aquatic organisms, and the sensitivity of species to pollutants. For example, warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, which can stress fish.

Turbidity is the measure of water's cloudiness or haziness caused by suspended particles like silt, clay, or organic matter. High turbidity reduces light penetration, affecting photosynthesis, and can clog the gills of aquatic animals.

Water color can be caused by dissolved organic matter, minerals, or algae. While some colors are natural, others can indicate pollution. For instance, a brown color might suggest dissolved organic compounds, while a green tint could indicate an algal bloom.