I have been looking into turbidity measurements in different contexts, and I find that turbidity is measured at various wavelengths depending on the experiment. For example, for bacterial growth curves it is measure at 600 nm. But, for collagen fiber growth / reconsitution experiments 310 nm is frequently used. I don't quite understand why there is a difference. For collagen fiber growth experiments, I understand that the aromatic amino acid residues will not absorb beyond 310 nm. But at 600 nm I can't think of any specific absorption either from collagen. What is the rationale for wavelength selection then ?
Dear Uma,
The confusion is understandable.
Turbidity is related to Absorbance (in the classical sense of the word were it is related to the ability of certain substances to absorb a specific package of energy related to frequency and subsequent wavelength).
However turbidity (and its related absorbance) is linked to scattering of light caused by the presence of particles. Your examples nicely demonstrates this, apparently the particle size of both differs and therefor scatter light at different wavelengths.
Have a look at earlier discussions here on Researchgate:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_turbidity_and_how_is_it_measured
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Any_suggestion_on_a_turbidity_calculation_from_UV-Vis_spectroscopy
Hope this is of any help to you.
Rob Keller Thanks for your reply! Now I get it. Its basically the same as the criterion of performing any quasi-elastic light scattering - the sample must not emit/absorb light in that region.
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