Kuwait University

College of Engineering and Petroleum

Civil Engineering Department

Environmental Engineering Laboratory

CE-213L

Experiment #1 & 2
Solids Test & Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Conducted On: August 4, 2021

Monday/Wednesday Group

August 13, y

On my honor I pledge that this work of mine does not violate the University provisions on
academic misconduct. By signing below, I certify that I understand the University Policies on
academic misconduct and that when an act of academic misconduct is committed, all parties
involved are in violation.
Signature: dalal, Maryam, Hessa, aljazi, Fatma
Abstract
This experiment was done in 3-part tests to determine the total solids (TS), total
volatile solids (TVS), and total fixed solids (TFS) of a wastewater sample using
an oven and balance and the results were TS=552mg/L, TVS=480mg/L, and
TFS=42mg/L. Moreover, total suspended solids (TSS), total volatile suspended
solids (VSS) and total fixed suspended solids (FSS) of a wastewater sample
using a filter, oven, and balance. The results were determined to be
TSS=154mg/L, VSS=148mg/L, and FSS=6mg/L. Finally, total dissolved solids
(TDS) of a drinking water sample was obtained by using conductivity/TDS
meter and we got 110mg/L

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Table of contents

Abstract.......................................................................................................................................i
Table of contents........................................................................................................................ii
List of Figures and Tables........................................................................................................iii
Nomenclature.............................................................................................................................1
Introduction:...............................................................................................................................2
Summary.................................................................................................................................2
Sources...................................................................................................................................3
Significance............................................................................................................................3
Impact.....................................................................................................................................3
Objective:...................................................................................................................................4
Theoretical background:.............................................................................................................5
Experimental details:..................................................................................................................6
The specimens used part A and B:.........................................................................................6
Equipment part A and B:........................................................................................................6
Material, specimen, and equipment part C:............................................................................6
Procedure:...............................................................................................................................7
Results and Discussion:.............................................................................................................9
Results....................................................................................................................................9
Discussion:...........................................................................................................................10
Answers of Questions:..........................................................................................................10
Conclusion:..............................................................................................................................11
Acknowledgments:...................................................................................................................12
References:...............................................................................................................................12
Appendix:.................................................................................................................................12
Grade of the report...................................................................................................................13

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List of Figures and Tables

Figure 1:Conductivity meter......................................................................................................6

Figure 2:Diagram of laboratory procedure to determine solids and total volatile solids
concentrations of a water (wastewater) sample.........................................................................7
Figure 3:Diagram of laboratory to determine the total suspended solids and volatile
suspended solids concentrations of water..................................................................................8
Figure 4:Conductivity meter....................................................................................................11

Table 1:Data#1...........................................................................................................................9
Table 2:Data#2...........................................................................................................................9
Table 3:Data#3.........................................................................................................................10

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Nomenclature

(TS): total solids

(TVS): total volatile solids
(TDS): total dissolved solids
(TSS): total suspended solids
(VSS): volatile suspended solids
(FSS): fixed suspended solids
(FDS): fixed dissolved solids
(VDS): volatile dissolved solids
(Wv): weight of total volatile
(Wf): weight of fixed after ignition
(Ws): weight of total solids
(A): weight of empty dish
(B): weight of dish + dried residue at 105ᵒC
(C): weight of dish + residue after ignition at 550ᵒC
(D): weight of empty dish + filter paper
(E): weight of dish + filter + residue after ignition at 105ᵒC
(F): weight of dish + filter + residue after ignition at 550ᵒC
(mg): milligram
(L): litre
(ᵒC): Celsius temperature scale
(V): sample volume

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Introduction:
Summary
Total Solids (TS): is the term applied to the material residue left in vessel after
evaporation of the sample and its subsequent drying in an oven at defined
temperature.
Total Suspended Solids (TSS): that matter, exclusive of gases which dispersed
in water to give a heterogeneous mixture. It is also called total non-filterable
residue. It is the retained material on standard glass fiber filter disk after
filtration of well mixed sample of water or wastewater.
Total Dissolved Solids (filterable) (TDS): is the portion of solids that passes
through a filter of 2 micrometer (or smaller) nominal pore size under specified
conditions. it is the material remaining in the water after filtration for the
suspended-solids analysis
Total Volatile Solids (TVS): that matter that is changed under conditions of the
test from a solid or a liquid state to the gaseous state. It is generally assumed
that the volatile portion represents organic matter.
Fixed Solids (TFS): is the term applied to the residue of total, suspended or
dissolved solids after heating to dryness for specified time at a specified
temperature.
Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS): solids that removed by firing the total
suspended solids in a 550 °C to 600 °C .it represents the amount of volatile
matter present in the solid fraction of the measured solution. This ignition
generally takes place in an oven at a temperature of 550 °C to 600 °C.
Fixed Suspended Solids (FSS): total suspended solids that remain after firing
the total suspended solids in a 550 °C to 600 °C.
Volatile Dissolved Solids (VDS): solids that removed by firing the total
dissolved solids in a 550 °C to 600 °C.
Fixed Dissolved Solids (FDS): total dissolved solids that remain after firing the
total dissolved solids in a 550 °C to 600 °C.
Total fixed solids= Total solids – Total volatile solids
Total suspended solids = Fixed suspended solids + Volatile suspended solids

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Sources
Solids suspended in water may consist of organic particles like plant fibers and
biological solids (alga cells, bacteria) and inorganic particles such as clay, silt
and other soil constituents.
Dissolved material results from the solvent action of water on solids, liquids,
and gases. Like suspended materials, dissolved substances maybe organic or
inorganic in nature. In organic substances which may be dissolved in water
include minerals, metals, and gases. There are other sources for the dissolved
solids come from contact of water with soils. Materials from the decay products
of vegetation, from organic chemicals, and from the organic gases are common
organic dissolved constituents of water.
Significance
- Total solids are an index to the strength of sewage or wastewater. It shows the
amount of treatment required or as measure of the efficiency of the treatment
device.
- Total dissolved solids (TDS) is the term used to describe the inorganic salts
and small amounts of organic matter present in solution in water. The principal
constituents are usually calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium cations
and carbonate, hydrogen carbonate, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate anions. The
TDS changes the mineral content of the water, which is important to survival of
many animals. Also, dissolved salt can dehydrate the skin of aquatic animals,
which can be fatal.
Impact
Suspended material may be objectionable in water for several reasons:
a. It is aesthetically displeasing and provides adsorption sites for chemical and
biological agents.
b. Suspended organic solids may be degraded biologically resulting in
objectionable by products. Biologically active (live) suspended solids may
include disease-causing organisms.
TDS impact: many dissolved substances are undesirable in water. Dissolved
minerals, gases, and organic constituents may produce aesthetically displeasing
color, tastes, and odors. Some chemicals may be toxic, and some of the
dissolved organic constituents have been shown to be carcinogenic. Not all
dissolved substances are undesirable in water. For example, essentially pure,
distilled water has a flat taste. Additionally, water has an equilibrium state with
respect to dissolved constituents. Sometimes dissolvable material is added to a
relatively pure water to reduce its tendency to dissolve pipes and plumbing.

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Objective:

 Determine the following

1. Total solids (TS)
a. Total volatile solids (TVS)
b. Total fixed solids (TSF)
2. Total suspended solids (TSS)
a. Total volatile suspended solids (VSS)
b. Total fixed suspended solids (FSS)
3. Total dissolved solids (TDS)

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Theoretical background:

Total solids are dissolved solids plus suspended and settleable solids in water.
In stream water, dissolved solids consist of calcium, chlorides, nitrate,
phosphorus, iron, sulfur, and other ions particles that will pass through a filter
with pores of around 2 microns (0.002 cm) in size. Suspended solids include silt
and clay particles, plankton, algae, fine organic debris, and other particulate
matter. These are particles that will not pass through a 2-micron filter.
The concentration of total dissolved solids affects the water balance in the cells
of aquatic organisms. An organism placed in water with a very low level of
solids, such as distilled water, will swell up because water will tend to move
into its cells, which have a higher concentration of solids. An organism placed
in water with a high concentration of solids will shrink somewhat because the
water in its cells will tend to move out. This will in turn affect the organism's
ability to maintain the proper cell density, making it difficult to keep its position
in the water column. It might float up or sink down to a depth to which it is not
adapted, and it might not survive.
Higher concentrations of suspended solids can serve as carriers of toxics, which
readily cling to suspended particles. This is particularly a concern where
pesticides are being used on irrigated crops. Where solids are high, pesticide
concentrations may increase well beyond those of the original application as the
irrigation water travels down irrigation ditches. Higher levels of solids can also
clog irrigation devices and might become so high that irrigated plant roots will
lose water rather than gain it.
A high concentration of total solids will make drinking water unpalatable and
might have an adverse effect on people who are not used to drinking such water.
Levels of total solids that are too high or too low can also reduce the efficiency
of wastewater treatment plants, as well as the operation of industrial processes
that use raw water.
Total solids also affect water clarity. Higher solids decrease the passage of light
through water, thereby slowing photosynthesis by aquatic plants. Water will
heat up more rapidly and hold more heat; this, in turn, might adversely affect
aquatic life that has adapted to a lower temperature regime.
Sources of total solids include industrial discharges, sewage, fertilizers, road
runoff, and soil erosion. Total solids are measured in milligrams per liter
(mg/L).

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Experimental details:

Parts A and B:
The specimens used part A and B:
1. Wastewater.
2. Drinking water.
Equipment part A and B:
1. Evaporating dishes: Porcelain or platinum 100ml capacity.
2. Muffle furnace for operation at 550+50
2 °C.
3. Drying oven.
4. Desiccators.
5. Analytical balance.
6. Glass fiber filter disks.
7. Suction flask, 500ml capacity.
8. Vacuum pump.
9. Filtration apparatus suitable for the type or filter disk selected.
10.Imhoff cone.

Part C:
Material, specimen, and equipment part C:
1- Wastewater.
2- TDS meter (Conductivity meter).

Figure 1:Conductivity meter

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Procedure:

A. Determination of Total Solids and Total Volatile Solids:

1. Weigh the empty crucible and record its weight (A).
2. Transfer 50ml of well mixed sample into the crucible.
3. Dry it for 24 hours at 103° to 105°C, cool in a desiccator and record the
weight (B).
4. Put the dried crucible in an electric muffle furnace for 20min, at a
temperature of 550+50°C. (Have the furnace up to a temperature before
inserting the sample).
5. Allow the crucible to cool partially in air and then transfer to a desiccator for
final cooling in a dry atmosphere and take the weight (C).

Figure 2:Diagram of laboratory procedure to determine solids and total volatile solids concentrations of a water
(wastewater) sample

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B. Determination of Suspended Solids and Volatile Suspended Solids:

1. Weigh the dish and filter paper which prepared and record this weight (D).
2. Under vacuum, filter 50ml well mixed sample. Carefully remove the filter
from the membrane filter funnel assembly, and transfer to weighed crucible.
3. Dry it for 24 hours at 103° to 105°C, cool in a desiccator and weigh (E).
4. Repeat the drying cycle until a constant weight in an electric muffle furnace
at a temperature of 550+50°C. (Have the furnace up to a temperature before
inserting the sample).
5. Allow the crucible to cool partially in air and then transfer to a desiccator for
final cooling in a dry atmosphere and take the weight of the crucible (F), (Water
and sludge residues turned for 1hour, but wastewater samples required only
20min ignition).

Figure 3:Diagram of laboratory to determine the total suspended solids and volatile suspended solids
concentrations of water

C. Total dissolved solids (TDS):

A direct measurement of total dissolved solids can be made by evaporating to
dryness aa sample of water which has been filtered to remove the suspended
solids. The remaining residue is weighed and represents the total dissolved
solids TDS in the water. The TDS is expressed in milligram per liter on a dry
mass basis. An approximate analysis for measuring TDS is often made by
determining conductivity of the water. So, we use a TDS meter to determine
TDS concentration in the laboratory.

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Results and Discussion:
Results
Data #1: Total Solids Test.
Sample type: Wastewater.
Sample size: 0.05 L.
Table 1:Data#1

Total Solids Test

A: weight of empty dish (g) 51.3599
B: weight of dish + solids @ 105◦C (g) 51.386
C: weight of dish + solids @ 550◦C (g) 51.362
TS: B - A / V (mg/L) 522
TVS: TS - TFS / V (mg/L) 480
TFS: C - A / V (mg/L) 42

Data #2: Suspended Solids Test.

Sample type: Wastewater.
Sample size: 0.05 L.
Table 2:Data#2

Suspended Solids Test

D: weight of empty dish + filter paper (g) 38.4813
E: weight of empty dish + filter paper + solids @ 105◦C
38.489
(g)
F: weight of empty dish + filter paper + solids @ 550◦C
38.4816
(g)
TSS: E - D / V (mg/L) 154
VSS: TSS - FSS / V (mg/L) 148
FSS: F - D / V (mg/L) 6

Data #3: Total Dissolved Solids Test.

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Sample type: Drinking water.

Table 3:Data#3

Total Dissolved Solids Test

TDS (mg/L) 110

Discussion:
Does not match.

Answers of Questions:

Q1. Define:
i. Total solids: the mass of solids remaining after drying a solution
(wastewater) at 105 °C.
ii. Total volatile solids: the mass of solids that evaporated when the total
solids are heated to 550 °C.
iii. Fixed solids: the mass of solids that remained when the total solids are
heated to 550 °C.
iv. Suspended solids: the mass of solids that remained on the filter paper
after filtering the total solids at 105 °C.
v. Filterable solids: the mass of solids that are large enough to remain on the
filter paper after a solution (wastewater) is filtered.
vi. Non-filterable solids: the mass of solids that are small enough to pass
through the filter paper after a solution (wastewater) is filtered.

Q2. An analysis for total volatile solids is run as follows:

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 a. A fiber glass dish is dried to constant mass of 38.5120 g.
b. 60 ml of a sample is drawn.
c. The filter and residue are placed in an electric muffle furnace at 550 °C
until a constant mass of 38.4650 g is reached.
Determine the total volatile solids concentration in milligram per liter.
VDS = (38512.0 – 38465.0) / 0.06 = 783.33 mg/L

Q3. How can we measure TDS in lab? Put a Picture of it.

Using the Conductivity/ TDS meter.

Figure 4:Conductivity meter

Q4. Give 4 examples of major and secondary constituents

ions (each).
 Major ions: Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium and Sulfate.

 Minor ions: Iron, Strontium, Potassium and Carbonate.

Conclusion:
We learnt how to calculate TS, TSS, and TDS in this experiment. Also, how we
can examine the quality of wastewater and determine the treatment required if
we know how to calculate these parameters.

Acknowledgments:

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 We would like to thank Eng. Latifa who helped us with the report and the
graph. Also, for her help throughout the experiment and understand the
material very well.

References:

Marafie, M. Civil Engineering Environmental Lab Notes.

https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/vms58.html

Appendix:

Does not match

Grade of the report

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Abstract 2  

Table of contents 2

List of figures and tables 2

Nomenclature 2

Introduction  
Summary 2

Sources 2

Significance 2

Impacts 2

Objectives 2

Theoretical background 2

Experimental details

Materials, specimens & equipments 2

Procedure 3

Results and discussion details

Results 5
Answers of questions 10
Discussion 2
Conclusion 2

Acknowledgements 2

References 2

Appendix 2  

Grade of the report 50  

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