What is true color defined as?

True color refers to the color of water that is actually present in the water sample, excluding any color that may stem from suspended particles or turbidity. It specifically pertains to the dissolved substances that affect the color.

Dissolved organic substances, such as humic and fulvic acids from decaying vegetation, are primarily responsible for true color. Therefore, the defining aspect of true color is that it reflects the color resulting from these dissolved materials in water, providing a more accurate measurement of water quality regarding organic content.

Understanding this definition is crucial for water quality assessments and treatment processes, as it helps operators identify and manage potential issues related to color in drinking water and wastewater.

In terms of the other choices, they do not align with the scientific definition of true color. Suspended substances and other factors fall under different categories that affect water quality but are not included in the definition of true color.