definition 112 causes, effects and control measures of

Sediment of suspended matter

 is another

class of water pollutants. These are insoluble par-

ticles of soil and other solids that become sus-

pended in water. This occurs when soil is eroded

from the land. High levels of soil particles sus-

pended in water, interferes with the penetra-

tion of sunlight. This reduces the photosynthetic

activity of aquatic plants and algae disrupting

the ecological balance of the aquatic bodies.

When the velocity of water in streams and riv-

ers decreases the suspended particles settle

down at the bottom as sediments. Excessive

sediments that settle down destroys feeding and

spawning grounds of fish, clogs and fills lakes,

artificial reservoirs etc.