Determination of total suspended solids (TSS)

Introduction

The term “solids” is generally used when referring to any material suspended or dissolved in water or wastewater that can be physically isolated either through filtration or through evaporation. Solids can be classified as either filterable or non-filterable. Filterable solids may either be settleable or non settleable. Solids can also be classified as organic or inorganic.

Total Solids is the term applied to the material residue left in the vessel after Evaporation of a sample and its subsequent drying in an oven at a defined temperature. Measurement of Solids can be made in different water samples (industrial, domestic and drinking water) and it is defined as residue upon evaporation of free water. Thus, Total solids are nothing but summation of total dissolved solids and total suspended solids.

Principle:

Suspended and dissolved impurities are commonly present in surface water. A well-mixed sample is filtered through standard whatman No.1 filter and filter is evaporated to dryness in evaporating dish, dried at 103 –

105 ^oC. Increase in weight of dish represents “Total dissolved solids”. The residue on filter paper is dried at 120^oC. Increase in weight of filter paper represent “Total suspended solids” in water.

Requirements

1) Water sample

2) Buchner filter Assembly

3) Dessicator

4) Whatman filter paper no-1

5) Evaporating dish (Crucible)

6) Hot air oven

7) Analytical Balance

Procedure

1) TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS (TSS)

Ø Dried Watman filter paper No.1 at 105^o C for 1 hour.

Ø Store it in a dessicator until needed.

Ø Set Buchner filter assembly and place pre dried Watman filter paper No.1 on it.

Ø Filtered about 10 ml by applying negative pressure through suction point.

Ø Put the filter paper with remaining unfiltered solids in hot air oven pre set at 105^o C.

Ø Dry the filter paper for at least 1 hour in hot air oven at 105^o C. Cool in a dessicator to balance temperature and weight.

Ø Repeat drying cycles until a constant weight is obtained or until weight change is less than 4% of previous weight or 5mg whichever is less.

Ø Calculate TDS/lit of given water sample.

Advantages of total suspended solids

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) is a parameter used in environmental and water quality monitoring to measure the concentration of solid particles that are suspended in water or other liquids. There are several advantages to measuring TSS, as it provides valuable information for various purposes:

Indicator of Water Quality: TSS is a critical parameter for assessing water quality. High TSS levels can indicate pollution, sediment runoff, or other contaminants in the water, making it an essential tool for monitoring and managing water resources.

Environmental Impact Assessment: TSS measurements are often used in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for construction projects, industrial activities, and other developments. It helps in evaluating the potential impact of these activities on aquatic ecosystems.

Regulatory Compliance: Many environmental regulations set limits on TSS levels in wastewater discharges and surface waters. Regular TSS monitoring helps industries and municipalities ensure compliance with these regulations, avoiding fines and penalties.

Erosion Control: TSS monitoring is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of erosion control measures. By measuring TSS in runoff water, it's possible to determine whether erosion control practices are adequately preventing soil and sediment from entering water bodies.

Research and Data Analysis: Scientists and researchers use TSS data to study the health of aquatic ecosystems, sediment dynamics, and the impact of land use changes on water quality. It provides valuable insights into long-term trends and helps identify emerging issues.

Treatment Plant Performance: In wastewater treatment plants, monitoring TSS levels is essential for evaluating the efficiency of treatment processes. It ensures that solids are adequately removed before the treated water is discharged into the environment.

Public Health Protection: High TSS levels in drinking water can indicate problems with water treatment and distribution systems. Regular monitoring helps ensure that drinking water meets quality standards and is safe for consumption.

Process Optimization: Industries that use water in their processes, such as manufacturing and mining, benefit from TSS monitoring to optimize their water treatment and recycling systems, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

Flood Prediction: In some cases, TSS measurements can be used as a tool for predicting and monitoring floods. High TSS levels in rivers or streams may indicate increased sediment load due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt, which can contribute to flooding.

Educational and Public Awareness: TSS data can be used for educational purposes and to raise public awareness about the importance of water quality and environmental conservation. Visualizing TSS levels and their impact can help engage communities in environmental stewardship efforts.

In summary, measuring Total Suspended Solids offers numerous advantages for environmental protection, water quality management, regulatory compliance, and scientific research. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding natural ecosystems and ensuring the availability of clean water for various uses.

Limitations of total suspended solids

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) is a commonly used parameter in environmental monitoring and water quality assessment. It refers to the concentration of solid particles that are suspended in water or wastewater. While TSS is a valuable indicator of water quality, it does have some limitations:

Lack of Discrimination: TSS provides a measure of all solid particles suspended in water, regardless of their origin or composition. This can be a limitation when trying to pinpoint specific sources of pollution or identify harmful substances in the water.

Particle Size Variation: TSS includes particles of various sizes, from very fine colloidal particles to larger sand and silt particles. Different particle sizes can have different environmental impacts and treatment requirements, so TSS alone doesn't provide information about the size distribution of suspended solids.

Seasonal Variation: TSS levels in water bodies can vary significantly with changes in weather conditions, such as rainfall or snowmelt. This makes it challenging to establish consistent baseline measurements or assess long-term trends accurately.

Incomplete Characterization: TSS does not distinguish between organic and inorganic particles. Understanding the composition of suspended solids can be crucial in assessing their impact on aquatic ecosystems and treatment processes.

Sampling and Analysis Challenges: Collecting representative samples for TSS analysis can be challenging, especially in turbulent or rapidly flowing waters. Additionally, laboratory analysis of TSS may involve filtration or centrifugation steps, which can lead to potential errors.

Sensitivity to Environmental Conditions: TSS levels can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of dissolved organic matter. These factors can affect the aggregation, settling, or resuspension of particles, making TSS measurements less straightforward.

Lack of Information on Specific Contaminants: TSS measurement does not provide information about specific contaminants present in the suspended solids, such as heavy metals, pathogens, or organic chemicals. Additional testing is often required to identify and quantify these substances.

Limited Use for Drinking Water Quality: While TSS is essential for assessing the quality of surface water bodies, it is less relevant for evaluating the suitability of water for drinking purposes, where other parameters like turbidity, specific contaminants, and disinfection byproducts are more critical.

To address these limitations, water quality assessments often use a combination of parameters, including TSS, turbidity, chemical analysis, and biological indicators, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of water quality and its potential impacts on human health and the environment.