What is a significant contributor to turbidity problems in Florida?

Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness in water caused by suspended particles. In Florida, a significant contributor to turbidity problems is indeed soil particles that are smaller than 0.002mm. These fine particles, often referred to as colloids or silt, can remain suspended in water for long periods and significantly affect water clarity. When these tiny particles are suspended in waterways, they scatter light, which increases turbidity levels.

This phenomenon is particularly relevant in areas with high levels of erosion, as fine soil particles are easily washed into water bodies during rainfall events or stormwater runoff. The increased turbidity can have adverse effects on aquatic life, including reduced photosynthesis by aquatic plants, which can disrupt local ecosystems.

While high salinity levels, excess nutrients, and pesticide runoff can also impact water quality, they do not directly contribute to turbidity in the same manner as fine soil particles. Salinity issues primarily affect aquatic organisms' health, while excess nutrients contribute to algae blooms, and pesticide runoff relates more to chemical contamination rather than the physical cloudiness associated with turbidity. Therefore, fine soil particles are a primary concern in the context of turbidity in Florida's waters.