solids in wastewater

Solids (Total Suspended Solids and Total Dissolved Solids)

Why Measure Solids?

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measurements provide insights into the composition and cleanliness of water resources, aiding in environmental monitoring and ensuring water safety

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Measurement

Total suspended solids (TSS) refer to visible particles floating or suspended in water, such as sediments and organic matter, making the water appear cloudy.

High amounts of suspended solids in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams can have harmful effects on the ecological system including the following:

Monitoring solids downstream of discharge from sewage treatment plants, industrial plants or extensive crop irrigation is crucial to maintaining the overall health of the receiving water bodies.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Measurement

Total dissolved solids (TDS) are not visible but consist of dissolved particles like minerals, salts, and chemicals.

While TDS is not considered a primary pollutant, it is an indicator of water quality as it relates to drinking water palatability. High levels of dissolved solids can have negative effects including the following: Water with high amounts of dissolved solids is unpalatable for consumers and may be unsuitable for bathing or cleaning.

Featured TSS and TDS Measurement Products

TSS and Turbidity Sensors

Portable pH Meter

Explore our range of highly accurate and durable TSS sensors. Combine Total Suspended Solids and Turbidity measurement across a range of applications and temperatures. Learn which TSS sensor is right for you.

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TSS Portable and TDS Handheld Meters 

HQD

Compact, durable and accurate. Portable TSS, Turbidity and TDS meters built for where you work. View our portable meters, sensors and controllers for your applications.

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TDS Benchtop Meters

Portable pH Meter

Fast measurements to help you get through your work quicker. Calibration history means you don’t have to recalibrate with every probe change. Accurate, fast and intuitive TDS measurement. Find your next TDS meter here.

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Which Processes Require Total Suspended Solids Monitoring?

Monitoring suspended solids/turbidity in the liquid processing stages of a wastewater treatment plant offers these significant benefits:

  • Improves plant efficiency by providing stability and continuity to the treatment process
  • Continuous online monitoring reduces the need for time consuming laboratory analysis
  • Real-time monitoring provides more accurate process control
  • Monitors compliance with limitations placed on the concentration of solids entering and leaving the plant

At the same time, laboratory methods and equipment can be successfully used to verify or fulfill the calibration of the process sensors.

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An aeration stabilization basin. High total suspended solids may indicate improper aeration within the system.

How are Solids Monitored?

Measuring TDS or TSS in the lab or field can be done through several methods and with multiple instruments. The most commons measurement methods are as follows:

Methods and Procedures

Direct Measurement

Imhoff Cone

Electrochemical

Online Process Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Solids-Nonfilterable Suspended
  • Solids-Settleable Matter
  • Solids-Total
  • Solids-Total Filterable
  • Solids-Total Volatile & Fixed
  • Solids-Volatile Dissolved & Fixed Dissolved
  • Suspended Solids TSS
  • TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

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