The effect of flocs on optical backscattering measurements of suspended material concentration

Optical backscattering measurements were made using coagulated kaolin and estuary sediments at various concentrations and subjected to two flow conditions. These measurements showed that the size of the flocs can give the same effect as changing the concentration by up to 2.5 times. In using optical measurements as indicators of suspended sediment concentration, care must be used to evaluate the in situ floc size in estuarine and coastal studies.