Total solids (TS) in a water sample is a measure of all the suspended, colloidal, and dissolved solids present.
Understanding Total Solids (TS) in Water
Total solids, commonly abbreviated as TS, represent the total amount of solid material remaining after a water sample has been evaporated at a specific temperature. Based on the provided reference, total solids is defined as:
- A measure of all the suspended, colloidal, and dissolved solids in a sample of water.
This means that TS includes all forms of solid matter, regardless of whether they are floating, suspended, or fully dissolved within the water.
Components Included in Total Solids
As per the reference, the total solids measurement encompasses various types of solid materials found in water:
- Suspended Solids: Solid particles that are not dissolved and can be seen floating or suspended in the water.
- Colloidal Solids: Very fine solid particles that are dispersed throughout the water but do not settle out readily.
- Dissolved Solids: Solids that are completely dissolved in the water, forming ions or molecules that are not visible.
Examples of Solids in Water
The reference provides examples of the kinds of substances contributing to total solids:
- Dissolved salts: Such as sodium chloride (table salt).
- Solid particles: Including materials like silt and biological matter such as plankton.
Unlike turbidity, which specifically measures the lack of clarity caused by suspended solids, total solids provides a comprehensive measure that accounts for all forms of solid matter present in the sample, including the dissolved substances.
