1.

0 TITLE

Determination of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) In Water and Wastewater

2.0 OBJECTIVE

To determine total suspended solids (TSS) in water and wastewater

3.0 INTRODUCTION

Solids suspended in water may consist of inorganic and organic particles or of immiscible
liquids. Inorganic solids such as clay, silt, and other soil constituents are common in
surface water. Organic material such as plant fibers and biological solids (algal cells,
bacteria, etc.) are also common constituents of surface waters. These materials are often
natural contaminants resulting from the erosive action of water flowing over surfaces.
Because of the filtering capacity of the soil, suspended material is seldom a constituent of
groundwater.
Other suspended material may result from human use of the water. Domestic
wastewater usually contains large quantities of suspended solids that are mostly organic
in nature. Industrial wastewater may result in a wide variety of suspended impurities of
either organic or inorganic nature. Immiscible liquids such as oils and greases are often
constituents of wastewater.
Suspended solids, where such material is likely to be organic and/or biological in
nature, are an important parameter of wastewater. The suspended solids parameter is used
to measure the quality of wastewater influent, to monitor several treatment processes, and
to measure the quality of the effluent. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a
maximum suspended solids standard of 30 mg/L for most treated wastewater discharges.
A well-mixed measured sample is filtered through a weighed standard glass-fiber
filter and the residue retained on the filter is dried to a constant weight at 103°C to
105°C. The increase in weight of the 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 the filter or decrease the sample volume.

4.0 MATERIALS & METHODOLOGY

Glass fiber filter disk, 47 mm @ 70 mm – pre dry in the oven

Measuring cylinder, 100 mL
Pipette, 10 mL
Analytical balance
Oven – preheated to 103°C to 105°C
Desiccator
Buchner flask and funnel
Vacuum pump
Aluminum weighing dishes/Crucible dish

1. Dry the filter disk in the oven at 103°C to 105°C for 1 hour, cool in a desiccator
and weigh.
2. Assemble filtering apparatus and filter and begin suction. Wet the filter with a
small volume of distilled water to seat it.
3. Pipette 50 mL of water sample (mixed to ensure homogeneity) onto centre of
filter disk in a Buchner flask, using gentle suction (under vacuum).
4. Wash filter with three successive 10 mL volumes of distilled water, allowing
complete drainage between washings, and continue suction for about 3 min after
filtration is complete.
5. Carefully remove filter from filtration apparatus and transfer to aluminum
weighing dish/crucible dish as a support.
6. Dry at least 1 hour at 103°C to 105°C in an oven, cool in a desiccator to balance
temperature, and weigh.
7. Repeat the cycle of drying, cooling, desiccating, and weighing until a constant
weight is obtained.
5.0 RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

Sample (different Weight of filter, Weight of filter + Net weight, mg TSS, mg/L
sources) mg dried residue, mg

Your discussion may include the following questions:

1. Calculate the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in the water and wastewater samples
using the following equation:

mg TSS/L = (A – B) x 1000
Sample volume, mL
where;
A = weight of filter + dried residue, mg
B = weight of filter, mg
2. Compare results with Standard A or B in the Environmental Quality Act, EQA
1974.
3. What are the impacts of TSS on water and wastewater quality?
4. Indicate the possible sources of TSS.

6.0 REFERENCES

Andrew, D. E., Lenore, S. C., Eugene, W. R. & Arnold, E. G. 2005. Standard Methods
For The Examination of Water And Wastewater. 21st Edition. USA.

Howard, S. P., Donald, R. R. & George, T. 1985. Environmental Engineering. McGraw-

Hill. Singapore.

Kasmawati, M. & Lee, K. K. 2007. Methods of Analysis for Water and Wastewater.
UiTM. Shah Alam.