EXPERIMENT 2: WATER QUALITY TEST (SOLIDS)

1.0 Introduction

Water quality is measured by several factors, such as the concentration of dissolved

oxygen, bacteria levels, the amount of salt (or salinity), or the amount of material
suspended in the water (turbidity). Water quality testing is an important part of
environmental monitoring. When water quality is poor, it affects not only aquatic life
but the surrounding ecosystem and human as well.

1.1 Concept

Total solids, TS is a measure of all the suspended, colloidal, and dissolved

solids in a sample of water. This includes dissolved salts such as sodium
chloride, NaCl, and solid particles such as silt and plankton. One of the
major factors that contribute to the total solids in water is soil erosion that
can contribute to the levels of suspended particles such as clay and silt. An
increase in water flow or a decrease in stream-bank vegetation can speed up
the process of soil erosion and contribute to the levels of suspended particles
such as clay and silt. Total solid can also come from various type of runoff.
If level of total solids is too high or too low, it can impact the health of the
stream and the organisms that live there and high levels of total solids will
reduce the purity of the water.

Total suspended solids are all particles suspended in water which will not
pass through a filter. It is a measure of total concentration of suspended
(non-soluble) solids in the in a water sample. The total suspended solids data
is critical in determining the operational behavior of a waste treatment
system. High total suspended solids (TSS) values in effluent are often
related to excessive solids generation due to an increase in BOD
(Biochemical Oxygen Demand) loading or can indicate problems with the
bacteria like nutrient deficiency.

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 After the total suspended solids value is determined a volatile suspended
solids (VSS) test may be performed in order to determine the concentration
of volatile suspended solids in a water sample. Volatile suspended solids
data is crucial in determining the operational behavior and biological
concentration throughout the system. The filter paper used for total
suspended solids (TSS) testing is ignited at 550 °C for 30 minutes. The
weight lost on ignition of the solids represents the volatile solids in the
sample.

2.0 Objectives

To determine the amount of solids (as stated in parameter) in the water sample.

Parameter: a) Total Solid (TS)

b) Fixed Solid (TSS)

c) Volatile Solid (VS)

d) Total Suspended Solid (TTS)

e) Fixed Suspended Solid (FSS)

f) Volatile Suspended Solid (VTS)

3.0 Apparatus

Analytical balance, Oven, Beaker, Spatula, Petri dishes, 50ml graduated cylinder,
100ml graduated cylinder, Filter Flask, Filter paper, Filter holder, Desiccators and
Tongs, Tweezers and Deionized Water, Vacuum filter apparatus

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4.0 Procedure

4.1 Total Solid

1. Four (4) clean petri dishes are heated in the oven for an hour.
2. All the petri dishes are placed in the desiccator to be cooled.
3. The empty petri dishes are weighed individually and recorded as A.
4. 2 Petri dishes are labeled for sample A and the other 2 for sample B.
5. 50mL of water sample are poured into the petri dishes accordingly.
6. All the dishes containing water sample are placed into the drying oven for
at least 6 hours until dried.
7. All the dishes are then taken out from the oven and placed in the desiccator
to be cooled for 10 minutes.
8. The petri dishes are later weighed individually and recorded as B.

4.2 Volatile and Fixed Solid

1. The petri dishes with dry solids are placed into a pre-heated muffle furnace
at 550 °C for 15 minutes.
2. The petri dishes are taken out from the furnace using tongs and placed into
the desiccator to be cooled for 10 minutes.
3. The petri dishes are than weighed individually and recorded as C.

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4.3 Total Suspended Solid

1. 2 clean filter papers are labeled for sample A and another 2 for sample B.
2. All the filter papers are weighed individually and recorded as D.
3. The filter paper is placed on the vacuum filter apparatus and filtered 100mL
of water sample.
4. After the water sample is completely filtered, the filter paper is removed
using a tweezer.
5. This procedure is done twice for sample A and is repeated for sample B.
6. All the filter papers are then placed in the oven to dry for an hour at 125 °C.
7. After an hour, the filter papers are taken out from the oven and placed in
the desiccator to be cooled for 10 minutes.
8. The filter papers are then weighed individually and recorded as E.

4.4 Volatile and Fixed Suspended Solid

1. The filter papers with dry solid are placed into a pre-heated muffle furnace
at 550 °C for 15 minutes.
2. The filter papers are taken out from the furnace using tongs and placed into
the desiccator to be cooled for 10 minutes.
3. The petri dishes are later weighed individually and recorded as F.

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5.0 Safety, Health and Precaution

• Study the experiment procedure and understand about laboratory before

conducting the experiment.

• Shoes that are not fully covered are not allowed into the lab. Wearing proper
shoes like safety boots will prevent water sample or chemical spillage entering
our feet and causes skin irritation.

• Wear lab jacket to protect our body from harmful chemicals or water sample
that might damage our skin.

• Make sure to wear gloves throughout the experiment because there are some
chemicals and equipment that cannot be contacted with bare hand.

6.0 Results

Table 1: Total Solids

Sample A : IUKL Sample B : IUKL

Block 9 Drainage Block 2 Drainage
A1 A2 B1 B2
Weight of A (mg) 69030 67620 68840 65510
Weight of B (mg) 69110 67670 68900 65540
Weight of C (mg) 69100 67650 68880 65510
Total Solids (mg/L) 800 500 600 300
Volatile Solids (mg/L) 100 200 200 300
Fixed Solids (mg/L) 700 300 400 0
Avg. Total Solids (mg/L) 650 450

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Table 2: Total Suspended Solids

Sample A : IUKL Sample B : IUKL

Block 9 Drainage Block 2 Drainage
A1 A2 B1 B2
Weight of D (mg) 110 110 100 90
Weight of E (mg) 250 190 150 120
Weight of F (mg) 240 180 140 110
Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) 1400 800 500 300
Volatile Suspended Solids (mg/L) 100 100 100 100
Fixed Suspended Solids (mg/L) 1300 700 400 200
Avg. Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) 1100 300

6.1 Calculations

(𝐵−𝐴) 𝑋 1000
 mg/L Total Solids = 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(𝐵−𝐶) 𝑋 1000
 mg/L Volatile Solids = 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(𝐶−𝐴) 𝑋 1000
 mg/L Fixed Solids = 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿

which: A = Weight of dish (mg)

B = Weight of dish + Dried Residue (mg)
C = Weight of dish + Dried Residue after 5500c ignition (mg)

(𝐸−𝐷) 𝑋 1000
 mg/L Total Suspended Solids = 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(𝐸−𝐹) 𝑋 1000
 mg/L Volatile Suspended Solids = 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(𝐹−𝐷) 𝑋 1000
 mg/L Fixed Suspended Solids = 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿

which: D = Weight of filter paper (mg)

E = Weight of filter paper + Dried Residue (mg)
F = Weight of filter paper + Dried Residue 5500c ignition (mg)

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 Total Solids
Sample A : IUKL Block 9 Drainage
A1 A2
(𝐵 − 𝐴) 𝑋 1000 (𝐵 − 𝐴) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
( 69110 − 69030) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 ( 67670 − 67620) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 800 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 500 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

Sample B : IUKL Block 2 Drainage

B1 B2
(𝐵 − 𝐴) 𝑋 1000 (𝐵 − 𝐴) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
( 68900 − 68840) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 ( 65540 − 65510) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 600 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 300 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

 Volatile Solids
Sample A : IUKL Block 9 Drainage
A1 A2
(𝐵 − 𝐶) 𝑋 1000 (𝐵 − 𝐶) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(69110 − 69100) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 (67670 − 67650) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 100 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 200 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

Sample B : IUKL Block 2 Drainage

B1 B2
(𝐵 − 𝐶) 𝑋 1000 (𝐵 − 𝐶) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(68900 − 68880) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 (65540 − 65510) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 200 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 300 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

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 Fixed Solids
Sample A : IUKL Block 9 Drainage
A1 A2
(𝐶 − 𝐴) 𝑋 1000 (𝐶 − 𝐴) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(69100 − 69030) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 (67650 − 67620) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 700 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 300 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

Sample B : IUKL Block 2 Drainage

B1 B2
(𝐶 − 𝐴) 𝑋 1000 (𝐶 − 𝐴) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(68880 − 68840) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 ( 65510 − 65510) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 400 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 0 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

 Total Suspended Solids

Sample A : IUKL Block 9 Drainage
A1 A2
(𝐸 − 𝐷) 𝑋 1000 (𝐸 − 𝐷) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(250 − 110) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 (190 − 110) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 1400 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 800 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

Sample B : IUKL Block 2 Drainage

B1 B2
(𝐸 − 𝐷) 𝑋 1000 (𝐸 − 𝐷) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(150 − 100) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 (120 − 90) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 500 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 300 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

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 Volatile Suspended Solids
Sample A : IUKL Block 9 Drainage
A1 A2
(𝐸 − 𝐹) 𝑋 1000 (𝐸 − 𝐹) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(250 − 240) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 (190 − 180) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 100 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 100 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

Sample B : IUKL Block 2 Drainage

B1 B2
(𝐸 − 𝐹) 𝑋 1000 (𝐸 − 𝐹) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(150 − 140) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 (120 − 110) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 100 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 100 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

 Fixed Suspended Solids

Sample A : IUKL Block 9 Drainage
A1 A2
(𝐹 − 𝐷) 𝑋 1000 (𝐹 − 𝐷) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(240 − 110) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 (180 − 110) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 1300 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 700 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

Sample B : IUKL Block 2 Drainage

B1 B2
(𝐹 − 𝐷) 𝑋 1000 (𝐹 − 𝐷) 𝑋 1000
= =
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝐿
(140 − 100) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000 (110 − 90) 𝑚𝑔 𝑋 1000
= =
100 𝑚𝐿 100 𝑚𝐿
= 400 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 = 200 𝑚𝑔/𝐿

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6.2 Discussion

According to the test result, we found that the total suspended solids (TSS)
in water sample A is 1100 mg/L where as for water sample B is 300 mg/L.
By referring to the National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia, water
quality of sample B lies in CLASS IV. Meanwhile, the water quality of
sample A falls at the lowest class which is CLASS V due to the very high
excess of total suspended solids contained in the water.

Since water sample B is of CLASS IV, the water is safe to be used as

irrigation that helps to grow agricultural crops, maintain landscapes, and
revegetate disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate
rainfall. However, the water is not safe for consuming, not even for livestock
drinking. On the other hand, water sample A is straightforward harmful or
polluted.

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7.0 Conclusion

Based on the test result, we can conclude that this experiment is a success in finding
out the total solids and total suspended solids of both the water samples prepared.
We are also able to deduce that the water from IUKL Block 2 drainage is safe for
the environment and the ecosystem surrounding. Having water quality of CLASS
VI means that the water is still suitable for vegetation and agriculture activities.
However, we may also conclude that the water form IUKL Block 9 drainage is
highly dangerous and polluted. There’s less likely a treatment available to treat this
water so that it can be beneficial to the environment and the ecosystem surrounding.

7.1 Recommendation

Knowing the amount of total suspended solids exceeding the lowest water
quality standard, it is highly recommended for the IUKL management to hire
professional or consult the authority to investigate and find out the root of this
polluted water. Once the cause is known, action must be taken immediately to
prevent the worsen effect it might bring to the environment and ecosystem
surrounding.

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8.0 References

National Ocean Service. (n.d.). Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Retrieved
from Water quality describes the condition of the water, including chemical,
physical, and biological characteristics, usually with respect to its suitability for
a particular purpose such as drinking or swimming:
https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/ocean/waterquality.html

Nik Nuraini Binti Azhari, W. K. (2014). Laboratory Manual (Environmetal Laboratory)

Fifth Edition. Selangor: IUKL Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Infrastructure.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2001). Total, Fixed, and Volatile Solids in
Water, Solids, and Bisolids. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency.

Vernier Student Lab. (n.d.). Water Quality with Vernier. Beaverton, OR: Vernier
Software & Technology.

8.1 Appendix

Figure １:The filter papers are being labeled.

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Figure ２: Filter paper is placed on the vacuum filter apparatus

Figure ３: Water sample is being filtered

Figure ４: Removing filter paper using tweezer

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 Figure ５: Filter papers are placed in oven to dry

Figure ６: Pouring 50ml of water sample into petri dish

Figure ７:Petri dishes with water sample

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 Figure ８:Petri dishes with water sample placed in oven to dry

Figure ９: Filter papers placed in the desiccator to cool after oven drying

Figure １０: Petri dishes with solid are placed in the muffle furnace

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