1.

INTRODUCTION
Total solids are a measure of the suspended and dissolved solids in
water. Matter suspended or dissolved in water or wastewater is considered as
solids. A high amount of solids in water generally makes it not desirable for
consumption. Solid analyses are important in the control of biological and
physical wastewater treatment processes and for assessing compliance with
regulatory agency wastewater effluent limitations. A limit of 500 mg dissolved
solids/L is set by EPA as secondary standard for drinking water.
A well mixed sample is filtered through a prepared glass fiber filter into
a clean filter flask. The portion of the sample that is not retained by the filter is
the dissolved solids. The filter is dried to a constant weight at 180 degrees
Celsius and the difference in the weight of the dish represents the dissolved
solid concentration. Dissolved solids are those that pass through a water filter.
They include some organic materials, as well as salts, inorganic nutrients, and
toxins.
Suspended solids are those that can be retained on a water filter and
are capable of settling out of the water column onto the stream bottom when
stream velocities are low. They include silt, clay, plankton, organic wastes,
and inorganic precipitates such as those from acid mine drainage.
The residue of TSS, TDS after heating to dryness for a defined amount
of time and at a defined temperature is defined as fixed solids. Volatile solids
are those solids lost on ignition (heating to 550 degrees C.) They are useful to
the treatment plant operator because they give a rough approximation of the
amount of organic matter present in the solid fraction of wastewater, activated
sludge and industrial wastes.

The two principal methods of measuring total dissolved solids are

gravimetry and electrical conductivity. Gravimetric methods are the most
accurate and involve evaporating the liquid solvent to leave a residue which
can subsequently be weighed with a precision analytical balance (normally
capable of .0001 gram accuracy). This method is generally the best, although
it is time consuming and leads to inaccuracies if a high proportion of the TDS
consists of low boiling point organic chemicals, which will evaporate along
with the water. In the most common circumstances inorganic salts comprise
the great majority of TDS, and gravimetric methods are appropriate.

Electrical conductivity of water is directly related to the concentration of

dissolved ionized solids in the water. Ions from the dissolved solids in water
create the ability for that water to conduct an electrical current, which can be
measured using a conventional conductivity meter or TDS meter. When
correlated with laboratory TDS measurements, electrical conductivity provides
an approximate value for the TDS concentration, usually to within ten percent
accuracy.

2.0

3.0

OBJECTIVE

To determine the average of the total solids (TS), suspended solid and

dissolve solid.
To determine the differential between filtered and unfiltered sample.

THEORY

Solids refer to matter suspended or dissolved in water or waste water.

Solids may affect water or effluent quality adversely in a number of ways.
Waters with high dissolved solids generally are of inferior palatability and may
induce a favorable physiological reaction in the transient consumer. Solids
analyses are important in the control of biological and physical wastewater
treatment process and for assessing compliance with regulatory agency
wastewater effluent limitations.
Generally, total solids is the term applied to the material residue left in
the dishes after evaporation of a sample at 103C to 105C. Total solids
include total suspended solids, and total dissolved solids. Total suspended
solids is the portion of total solids retained by filter, and total dissolved solids
is the portion of solids that passes through a filter of 2.0 m (or smaller)
nominal pore size under specified conditions. Fixed solids is refer to the
residue of total, suspended, or dissolved solids after heating to dryness for a
specified time at a specified temperature (500C 50 C for 15 minutes). The
weight loss on ignition is called volatile solids.
Determination of fixed and volatile solids does not distinguish precisely
between inorganic and organic matter because it includes losses due to
decomposition or volatilization of some mineral salts. Settleable solids is the
term applied to the material settling out of suspension within a defined period.
It may include floating material, depending on the technique.

Settleable
solids

Microwave
Imhoff cone

Samples

(at 103C - 105C)

Total solids
(TS)

Filter paper
Fibre glass filter

Dissolved Solid

( 2.0m)

Microwave

Microwave

(at 103C - 105C)

(at 180C 2C)

Dissolved solids
(DS)

Suspended solids
(SS)

Muffle furnace

Muffle furnace

(at 500 C 50 C)

(at 500C 50C)

Volatile suspended
solids (VSS)

Volatile dissolved
solids (VDS)

Fixed suspended
solids (FSS)

Fixed dissolved
solids (FDS)

Total fixed solids

Total volatile solids TVS
= VSS + VDS

TFS = FSS + FDS

Total solids (TS)

DIAGRAM 1.0

FORMULAE

(a)

Total Solid (mg/L)

mgTotal Solid/L

( A B ) x 1000

Volume of Sample (mL)

Where;
A = Weight of dried residue + dish, mg
B = Weight of dish, mg
(b) Total Dissolved (mg/L)
mg Total dissolved solids/L

( A - B ) x 1000
Sample Volume, (mL)

Where;
A = Weight of dried residue +dish, mg
B = Weight of dish, mg

(c)

Total Suspended Solid

mg Total Suspended Solid/L =

( A - B ) x 1000
Sample Volume (mL)

Where;
A = Weight of filter + dried residue, mg
B = Weight filter, mg

(d)

Volatile Solid
mg volatile solids/L

(A B) x 1000
Sample Volume (mL)

(e)

Fixed Solid
mg fixed solids/L

(B C) x 1000
Sample Volume (mL)

Where;

A = Weight of residue + dish or filter before ignition, mg

B = Weight fresidue + dish or filter after ignition, mg
C = weight of dish or filter, mg

4.0

EQUIPMENTS
i.

Evaporating dishes: Dishes of 100mL capacity made of porcelain, platinum

or high-silica glass.

ii.

Muffle furnace for operating at 500C 50C

iii.

Steam bath

iv.

Desicator

v.

Drying oven

vi.

Analytical balance

vii.

Magnetic stirrer

viii.

5.0

Graduated cylinder

ix.

Wid-bore pipet

x.

Low-form beaker

PROCEDURES
A.

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

Preparation of the glass fibre filter disc:
i.

The filter disc was inserted onto the base and clamp on funnel.
While vacuum is applied, wash the disc with three (3) successive
20 mL distilled water. All traces of water were removed by
continuing to apply vacuum after water has passed through.
Funnel was removed from base and filter was placed in the dish
and dried in an oven at 103C - 105C for one (1) hour. When
needed, dish was removed from the oven, desiccated and
weighted.

ii.

A sample volume (max. of 200 mL) was selected that will yield not
more than 200 mg of total suspended solids.

iii.

The filter was placed on the base and clamp on funnel and vacuum
applied. Tthe filter was wet with small volume of distilled water to
seal the filter against the base.

iv.

The samples were shaked vigorously and quantitatively transfer

required volume (mL) of samples to the filter using a large orifis,
volumetric pipette. All traces of water was removed by continuing
to apply vacuum after samples has passed through.

v.

The pipette and funnel was rinse onto the filter with small volume
of distilled water. All traces of water were removed by continuing to
apply vacuum after samples has passed through.

vi.

Carefully the disc filter was removed from the base. Dried for at
least one (1) hour at 103C - 105C. Cooled in a desiccator and
weighted the disc filter.

B. Total Dissolved Solids

Preparation of evaporating dish:
i.

Ignite cleaned evaporating dish at 500C 50C for one (1) hour in
muffle furnace. Stored in desiccator until needed. Weighted
immediately before use.

ii.

Choosed samples volume to yield between 2.5 and 200 mg dried

residue. If more than 10 minutes are required to complete filtration,
increased the filter size or decreased the sample volume.

iii.

Stired samples with magnetic stirrer and pipet a measures volume

onto glass-fibre filter with applied vacuum. Washed with three (3)
successive 10 mL of distilled water, allowing complete drainage
between washings, and continue suction for about 3 min after
filteration complete.

iv.

Transfered total filtrate (with washings) to a weighed evaporating

dish and evaporated to dryness on a drying oven. Dry evaporated
samples for at least 1 h in an oven at 180C 2C, cool in a

desiccator to balance temperature, and weight. Repeated the

drying cycle, cooling, desiccating, and weighing until a constant
weight is obtained. (The filtrate from the total suspended solids
determination may be used for determination of total dissolved
solids).
C. Total Volatile Solids
If volatile solids are to be measured, the residue from method A and B is
gnited at 500C 50C for 15 minutes in a muffle furnace. Cooled in
desiccator to balance temperature and weight. Repeated the cycle of drying
or igniting, cooling, desiccating, and weighing until a constant weight change
less than 4% of the previos weighing or 0.5 mg, whichever is less. Stored in
desiccator until needed.

6.0

RESULT AND CALCULATION

1. Unfiltered Sample
DATA FOR TOTAL SOLID TEST

Sample A

Sample B

Volume of sample (ml)

Weight of evaporating dish (g)

26.7670

25.5201

Weight of evaporating dish + sample

31.3800

30.4860

Weight of sample (g)

4.6130

4.9659

26.7750

25.5241

0.008

0.004

26.7700

25.5212

5
6

Weight of evaporating dish + sample after

drying process at 180C (30 minute)(g)
Weight of solid (g)
Weight of evaporating dish + solid after

drying process at 500oC - 50oC (15

minute)

Weight of volatile solid (g)

0.003

0.0011

Total Solid (TS) (mg/L)

1600

800

10

Percentage of solid in sample (%)

0.1734

0.0805

11

Total volatile solid (VS) (mg/L)

600

220

12

Percentage of volatile solid (%)

37.5

27.5

2. Filtered Sample
DATA FOR TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLID (SS)

Sample A

Sample B

Volume of Sample (ml)

Weight of filter paper (g)

0.0885

0.0887

0.0901

0.0900

0.0016

0.0013

0.0892

0.0892

0.0009

0.0008

320

260

56.25

61.54

Weight of filter paper + solid after drying at

180oC (30 minute)(g).
Weight of solid (g)
Weight of filter + solid after drying at 500oC
50oC (g)

Weight of volatile solid (g)

Total Suspended Solid (SS) (mg/L)

Percentage of Volatile Suspended Solid

(VSS) %

DATA FOR TOTAL DISSOLVE SOLID (TDS)

Sample A

Sample B

Volume of sample (ml)

Weight of evaporating dish (g)

26.7670

25.5201

Weight of evaporating dish + sample (g)

31.3800

30.4860

Weight of sample (g)

4.6130

4.9659

26.7750

25.5241

Weight of evaporating dish + sample after

drying at 180oC (30 minute) (g)

Weight of Solid (g)

0.008

0.004

Total Dissolve Solid (TDS) (mg/L)

1600

800

26.7700

25.5212

0.003

0.0011

Weight of evaporating dish + solid after drying

at 500oC 50oC (g)

Weight of dissolved solid (g)

10

Total dissolved Solid (SS) (mg/L)

600

220

11

Percentage of Volatile dissolved Solid (VSS) %

37.5

27.5

CALCULATION
TOTAL SOLID TEST:
(a)

Weight of solid (g)

Weight of solid (g) = Weight of evaporating dish + sample - Weight of

evaporating dish (g) after drying process at 103 oC 105oC
= 26.7750 26.7670
= 0.008 gram

(b)

Weight of volatile solid (g)

Weight of volatile solid (g) = Weight of evaporating dish + solid - Weight of
evaporating dish after drying process at 500 oC 50 oC
= 26.7700 26.7670
= 0.003 gram

(c)

Total Solid (TS) (mg/L)

Total Solid (TS) (mg/L)

= Weight of solid / volume sample

= (0.008 / 5) x 1000x 1000
= 1600 mg/L

(d)

Percentage of solid in sample (%)

Percentage of solid in sample (%) = (Weight of solid / Weight of sample) x 100%
= (0.008 / 4.6130) x 100

= 0.1734%

(e)

Total volatile solid (VS) (mg/L)

Total volatile solid (VS) (mg/L)

= Weight of volatile solid / volume sample

= (0.003 / 5) x 1000 x 1000
= 600 mg/L

(f)

Percentage of volatile solid (%)

Percentage of volatile solid (%) = (Weight of volatile solid / Weight of solid) x 100%
= (0.003 / 0.008) x 100
= 37.5 %

TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLID (SS) :

(a)

Weight of solid (g)

Weight of solid (g) = Weight of filter paper + solid after drying process at

103oC - 105oC - Weight of filter paper (g)

= 0.0901 0.-885
= 0.0016 gram

(b)

Weight of volatile solid (g)

Weight of volatile solid (g) = Weight of filter + solid after drying process at
500oC - 50oC - Weight of filter paper
= 0.0892 0.0885
= 0.0009 gram

(c)

Total Suspended Solid (SS) (mg/L)

Total Suspended Solid (SS) (mg/L) = Weight of solid / Volume sample
= (0.0016 / 5) x 1000 x 1000
= 320 g/mL

(d)

Percentage of Volatile Suspended Solid (VSS) (%)

Percentage of Volatile

= Weight of volatile solid (g) 100%

Weight of solid (g)
= ( 0.0009 / 0.0016) x 100
= 56.25 %

TOTAL DISSOLVE SOLID (TDS) :

(a)

Weight of solid (g)

Weight of solid (g) = Weight of evaporating dish + sample after drying

process at 180oC

- Weight of evaporating dish (g)

= 26.7750 26.7670
= 0.008 g

(b)

Weight of dissolved solid (g)

Weight of dissolved solid (g) = Weight of evaporating dish + solid after drying
Process at 500 oC-50oC-Weight of evaporating
dish
= 26.7700 26.7670
= 0.003 gram

(c)

Total dissolved solid (SS) (mg/L)

Total dissolved solid (SS) (mg/L) = Weight of dissolved solid / Volume
= (0.003 / 5) x 1000 x 1000
= 600 mg/L

(d)

Percentage of volatile dissolved solid (%)

Percentage of volatile dissolved = Weight of dissolved solid (g)
Weight of solid (g)

100%

0.003 100%
0.008

37.5 %

DATA ANALYSIS :
(a)

Average of total solid (TS)

Average of total solid (TS) = Sample A + Sample B
2

1600 + 800
2

(b)

1200 mg/L

Average of suspended solid (SS)

Average of suspended solid

= Sample A + Sample B
2
=

320 + 260
2

(c)

290 mg/L

Average of dissolve solid (DS)

Average of dissolve solid

= Sample A + Sample B
2
= 600 + 220
2
= 410 mg/L

7.0

DISCUSSION

1) Distinguish between suspended solid and dissolve solid.

Suspended solid

Dissolved solid

..

..

..

2) Suggest some possible causes of high levels of total suspended

solids.

____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

3) The suspended solid for a wastewater sample was found to be

175mg/L. if the following test result were obtained, what size sample
was used in the analysis?

8.0

CONCLUSION
Solids refer to matter suspended or dissolved in water or waste water.
Solids may effect of effluent quality adversely in a number of ways. Water with
high dissolve solid generally is of inferior palatability and may induce a
favorable physiological reaction in the transient consumer. Solid analysis is
important in the control of biological and physical wastewater treatment
process and for assessing compliance with regulatory agency wastewater
effluent limitations. So, generally the total solid is the term applied to the
material residue left in the dishes after evaporation of a sample at 180 0C.
Total solids (TS) include the total suspended solid (TSS) and total dissolve
solid (TDS). Determination of the volatile solids does not distinguish precisely
between inorganic and organic matter because it include losses due to
decomposition or volatilization of some mineral salts. It may include floating
materials, depending on the applied technique.