A review of methods and instruments to monitor turbidity and suspended sediment concentration

Turbidity and suspended sediment concentration are crucial parameters indicative of water quality, playing pivotal roles in evaluating the well-being of aquatic ecosystems and the effectiveness of water treatment processes. This manuscript provides an in-depth review of various methods and instruments in use for in situ and in-line applications. The exploration of optical instrumentation is central to this review, examining its widespread use and current challenges within standard methods, commercial instruments and scientific research. The study also delves into alternative techniques, such as acoustic and capacitive methods, elucidating their applications, calibration intricacies, and practical considerations. Furthermore, the paper scrutinizes the emerging importance of satellite and aerial imaging processing as a supplementary tool for turbidity monitoring, underscoring its potential to offer comprehensive insights on a larger scale. The review emphasizes the key accomplishments and challenges of the state-of-the-art technologies, providing a comprehensive overview of the current stage of the field and its prospects. and aims to provide valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers involved in environmental monitoring and water facility management, enabling a deeper comprehension of the significance of turbidity and suspended sediment concentration in safeguarding water quality and ecosystem health. • Optical instruments are still the preferred choice for accessing turbidity and SSC. • Acoustic methods remain relevant due to their utilization in aquatic platforms. • Satellite and aerial imaging offer broader insights and higher spatial detail. • Environmental monitoring has been the driver for the recent technological development.