Total suspended solids (TSS) are residues of total solids retained by a sieve with a maximum particle size of 2μm or larger than the colloid particle size. TSS includes mud, clay, metal oxides, sulfides, algae, bacteria and fungi. TSS is generally removed by flocculation and filtration.
TSS contributes to turbidity by limiting light penetration for photosynthesis and visibility in waters. So that the turbidity value cannot be converted to the TSS value. Turbidity is the tendency of the sample size to scatter light. While scattering is produced by the presence of suspended particles in the sample. Turbidity is purely an optical property.
The pattern and intensity of the distribution will differ due to changes in the size and shape of the particles and matter. A sample containing 1,000 mg/L of fine talcum powder will give a different turbidity reading than a sample containing 1,000 mg/L. coarsely ground talc. The two samples will also have different turbidity readings than samples containing 1,000 mg/L ground pepper. Although the three samples contain the same TSS value.
The difference between total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS) is based on the screening procedure. Solids are always measured as dry weight and the drying procedure must be observed to avoid errors caused by retained moisture or material loss due to evaporation or oxidation.
Analysis TSS is as follows the homogeneous test sample was filtered with filter paper that had been weighed. The residue retained on the filter is dried to a constant weight at a temperature of 103ºC to 105ºC. The increase in sieve weight represents the total suspended solids (TSS). If suspended solids obstruct the filter and prolong filtration, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the filter pores or reduce the volume of the test sample. To obtain the TSS estimate, the difference between total dissolved solids and total solids was calculated.
TSS (mg/L) = (A-B) X 1000 / V
With understanding
A = weight of filter paper + dry residue (mg)
B = weight of filter paper (mg)
V = volume contoh (mL)