What is the hold time for turbidity testing?

The hold time for turbidity testing is 48 hours, which means that collected samples must be analyzed within this timeframe to ensure accurate results. This duration is established because turbidity can change over time due to factors like settling of particles or microbial growth, which can alter the clarity of the sample. Analyzing the sample within 48 hours helps maintain the reliability of the turbidity measurement, ensuring that it accurately represents the water's condition at the time of sampling.

Longer hold times, such as 14 or 28 days, are not appropriate for turbidity due to the potential for significant changes in the sample characteristics. Moreover, a hold time of 15 minutes is insufficient for the analysis process, which typically requires specific preparation and measurement protocols to be properly followed.