Which type of water quality parameter indicates the presence of organic matter?

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is a crucial water quality parameter used to indicate the presence of organic matter in water. It measures the amount of carbon found in organic compounds, which can originate from various sources, including plant and animal materials, as well as human activities. High levels of TOC can indicate contamination from natural organic matter decomposition or human-induced pollutants, which could impact water treatment processes and overall water quality. Monitoring TOC is essential for water utilities, as it provides insights into organic materials that could lead to the formation of disinfection byproducts during water treatment processes.

While pH is important for gauging the acidity or alkalinity of water, it does not directly reveal information about organic matter content. Turbidity measures the cloudiness of water, typically caused by suspended particles but does not specify what those particles are or if they include organic matter. Hardness refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions and similarly does not relate to organic compounds. Therefore, TOC is the most relevant parameter for indicating the presence and concentration of organic material in water.