To determine the Suspended Solids/Non-filterable residue in sample of water

To determine the Suspended Solids/Non-Filterable residue in sample of water

Methods DISCUSSION:

Environmental waters may contain a variety of solid or dissolved impurities. In quantifying levels of these impurities, suspended solid is the term used to describe particles in the water column. Practically, they are defined as particles large enough to not pass through the filter used to separate them from the water. Smaller particles, along with ionic species, are referred to as dissolved solids. In considering waters for human consumption or other uses, it is important to know the concentrations of both suspended and dissolved solids. The most common pollutant in the world is “dirt” in the form of TSS.

Total suspended solids (TSS) include all particles suspended in water which will not pass through a filter. Suspended solids are present in sanitary wastewater and many types of
industrial waste water. There are also nonpoint sources of suspended solids, such as soil erosion from agricultural and construction sites.

PRINCIPLE:

A well-mixed sample is filtered through a weighed standard glass-fiber filter and residue
retain on the filter is dried to a constant weight at 103-105C. The increase in weight of filter
represents the total suspended solids. If the suspended material clogs the filter and prolongs
filtration, it may be necessary to increase the diameter of filter or decrease the sample
volume. To obtain an estimate of total suspended solids, calculate the difference between
total dissolved solids and total solids.

APPARATUS:

1. Filtering – flask 2. Filter – holder

3. Filter membrane (47 mm dia., 0.45micron pore size) 4. Graduated cylinder

5. Drying oven 6. Desiccators

7. Analytical balance 8. Vacuum pump

9. Muffle furnace

PROCEDURE

1. Weigh a 47 mm filter disc and place in the filter holder,
   
2. Place the filter holder assembly in the filtering flask and filter 100 ml of well mixed, preventative water sample by applying vacuum to the flask.
   
3. Remove the disc from the filter holder and transfer to a watch glass, place in the drying oven at 103.C for 1 hour.
   
4. Remove the disc from the oven and place in a desiccators. Allow cooling to room temperature.
   
5. Remove the disc from the desiccators and weigh on an analytical balance.
   
6. Calculate the amount of total suspend solids.
   

TSS mg/l =

OBSERVATIONS