Practical and theoretical analysis of relationships between particle count data and turbidity

Potential relationships between particle counts and turbidity have been examined by several researchers over recent years. This paper describes how a different approach to this issue was adopted. Particle count and turbidity data arising from the combined filtrate of a block of six rapid gravity filters are analysed for possible relationships. The results are compared with those of other researchers and it is demonstrated that no linear relationship exists between particle count and turbidity. This practical result is then corroborated by a theoretical analysis from first principles of the light scattering properties of suspended particles.