Suspended sediment concentration-turbidity relationships for Ngarradj – a seasonal stream in the wet-dry tropics

Abstract

In order to assess the impact of mining-related erosion on stream suspended sediment loads within a catchment, it is critical that suspended sediment movement is accurately measured. The technique of using turbidimeters to monitor stream suspended sediment concentration was assessed using data collected at three gauging stations within a small catchment in the Kakadu region. Turbidity data were strongly correlated with mud concentration data collected at all three sites. Futhermore, analysis of periods of high sediment movement associated with runoff events showed that the use of turbidimeters is considered essential for estimating individual event loads within the region.