By total solids it is meant the sum of the amount of solids that can be filtered and not filtered. Filterable solids are called dissolved solids, while non-filterable solids are called suspended solids. The total amount of solids is the amount of material remaining after evaporating the water sample taken and drying in an oven at 103-105.

In natural waters and wastewaters, various solids are suspended or dissolved. Solids cause problems in treatment systems. When the amount of solid material is high, it begins to precipitate and form a large amount of bottom sludge.

Filtered and unfiltered samples are used to determine the amount of dissolved and undissolved solids. Solids dissolved in water are composed of inorganic salts and organic substances. The solids in the undissolved state are two kinds. Some are suspended solids that cannot precipitate in water. Some of them are solids that can precipitate by their own weight. The volume of the sedimentation unit is determined by measuring and analyzing the solid matter which can be deposited in the wastewater.

The solids suspended in water are detected by filtration. The difference between the total unfiltered solids and the total filtered solids gives the amount of suspended solids in the water sample analyzed.

In the studies carried out to control the pollution of rivers, the amount of suspended solids is considered as settable solids. Because these substances precipitate over time and cause chemical and biological pollution.

The total amount of solids is also important in determining the method to be selected in water softening processes. In addition, suspended solids determination method is used to calculate the pollution load going to biological treatment. In this way, impartial and reliable results are obtained.

 

Total dissolved solids measurements are also performed in authorized laboratories and these studies are based on the standards published by domestic and foreign organizations.