The presence of suspended solids directly affects the environmental engineers in terms of the use of water as drinking water or for various purposes in industrial plants. Suspended solids in water reduce the permeability of light in natural waters and cause bottom deposits, thus affecting the living environment of aquatic organisms and damaging the organisms. As a result, there is a need to take measures in treatment plants and water channels. Therefore, the analysis of suspended solids is of great importance in wastewater and surface waters.

Suspended solids in water are present in two forms as solid and non-collapsible solids. When the total suspended solids is mentioned, the sum of the solids which can and does not precipitate in the water sample is expressed.

As a result of human activities, the amount of suspended solids in surface waters increases. In the meantime, soil erosion in agricultural areas increases the amount of suspended solids. Sediment is the accumulation of water, insoluble, suspended rocks, stones, soil particles and organic materials at the bottom of the water. This deposit includes clay minerals and sludge, fragments of organic matter and plankton.

Suspended solids generally cause physical contamination of water after exceeding a certain amount. In this case, the water becomes turbid, its density increases and the living things become toxic. In addition, since the light transmittance and the amount of oxygen are reduced, it collapses on the fauna and flora, causing them to die.

The negative effects of suspended solids on living things vary according to the type, amount and type and size of the living things in the water.

 

Based on their authorization from national and international accreditation bodies, laboratories also measure suspended solids within the scope of water and wastewater measurements. Laboratories must comply with the TS EN ISO / IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of the Testing and Calibration Laboratories.