Excelet

Comparison of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Methods

TDS can be measured by two different methods:
1. Stream water is filtered to remove suspended (insoluble) material and
then the sample is heated to evaporate the water. The residue obtained
is massed to obtain the milligrams of dissolved solids per volume of water
evaporated. The residue is dried usually at 103-105
o
C.
2. TDS is determined from the conductivity of the water sample, since the
ionic composition for most streams is similar. The conductivity reading is
converted to milligrams of total dissolved solids/liter. TDS = 0.67 * conductivity
Now let's investigate the TDS determination by conductivity and then
compare the two methods and address some possible errors.
Click on the tabs to navigate
Sinex 2007
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) by Conductivity What is the cause of the conductivity of the water?
TDS = k * conductivity k = 0.67 67
(0.54 - 0.96)
Cond. TDS
0 0 tracer k composition
200 134 0 670 0.50 NaCl
500 335 1000 670 0.51 KCl
1000 670 1000 0 0.67 natural waters
1500 1005 0.72 442
2000 1340
mS/cm mg/L
9
Cond. = 1000
The values of "k" for NaCl, KCl, and 442 were determined from data
available: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-04/rhf/feature/index.php
Sinex 2007
Hem, J.D. (1985) Study and Interpretation of the Chemical
Characteristics of Natural Waters , USGS Water-Supply Paper 2254
online at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/wsp2254/
670
y = 0.67x
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
TDS,
mg/L
Conductivity, mS/cm
Comparison of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Methods
TDS
evap
=
530
mg/L
add a constant amount urea = 0 mg/L (used as a fertilizer)
(0 - 300)
(NaCl) (urea) TDS
evap y = x line
0 0 0 0 0 tracer
200 0 200 200 200 0 530 TDS
cond
400 0 400 400 400 530 530 530 mg/L change the slider
600 0 600 600 600 530 0 530 to see how the two
800 0 800 800 800 methods compare
1000 0 1000 1000 1000 0 530 (with both yellow
mg/L 530 530 %error cells set at zero)
0.0
How do the methods compare?
add CaCl
2
= 0 mg/L (commonly used for highway deicing)
(0 - 300)
How does the addition of urea and/or calcium chloride influence the results of the two methods?
Sinex 2007
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
T
D
S

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v
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TDS by conductivity
Address the following questions:
1. Explain how and why the addition of calcium chloride influences the results
of both methods including any error.
2. Explain how and why the addition of urea influences the results of both
methods including any error.
3. Suppose a water sample was collected and not filtered. Both methods were
then used to measure the TDS. Explain the results from both methods including
any error.
4. For the TDS = k (conductivity) relationship the value of "k" must remain
constant for this method to work. Why? What could cause "k" to vary?
5. Domino Sugar is a large manufacturer in Baltimore Harbor. If a barge
loaded with finished processed sugar was to sink and the sugar dissolved in the
water of the harbor, how would the TDS results by both methods be influenced?
6. A barge loaded with vinegar (0.8 M acetic acid) develops a leak off shore of
Ocean City. The seawater, which is 0.5 M NaCl, has a pH of 8.3 that is well buffered.
How would the acetic acid influence the results of both methods including any error.
Sinex 2007