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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Suspended solids refer to small solid particles which remain in suspension in water as a
colloid or due to the motion of the water. It is used as one indicator of water quality.
Suspended solids are important as pollutants and pathogens are carried on the surface of
particles.
Solids can be classified as either filterable or non-filterable. Filterable solids may either be
settle able or non-settle able. Solids can also be classified as organic or inorganic.
Measurement of solids can be made in different water samples (river and pond) and it is
defined as residue upon evaporation of free water.
Total solids are the term applied to the material residue left in the vessel after evaporation of
a sample and its subsequent drying in an oven at a defined temperature. Thus, total solids
are summation of total dissolved solids and total suspended solids.
2.0 OBJECTIVE
To determine the total solids in the sample water given that is river and pond.
Total solids measurements can be useful as an indicator of the effects of runoff from
construction, agricultural practices, logging activities, sewage treatment plant discharges,
and other sources.
Total solids also effect water clarity. Higher solids decrease the passage of light through
water, thereby slowing more rapidly and hold more heat, this, in turn, might adversely
photosynthesis by aquatic plants. Water will heat upf effect aquatic life that has adapted to a
lower temperature regime.
5.0 APPARATUS
6.0 PROCEDURE
6.1 The analytical balance was switched on. This device must be switched on at least 30
mins before the test.
6.2 The filter paper was put inside the balance. The initial dry weight of the filter paper
was noted down.
6.3 50 ml of water sample was filtered by using the filter paper. The vacuum pump was
switched on until there was no water inside the filtered.
6.4 The filter paper was taken out by using the forceps and had been placed it on the
evaporating dish.
6.5 The evaporating dish that contains the filter paper was placed in the oven at 105C
for 50 minutes.
6.6 After 50 minutes, the filter paper was weighed again for final dry weight.
6.7 Step 1-5 was repeated by using another sample of water.
7.0 RESULT AND ANALYSIS
8.1 Michaud, Joy P. (1994). "Measuring Total Suspended Solids and Turbidity in lakes
and streams." A Citizen's Guide to Understanding and Monitoring Lakes and
Streams. State of Washington, Department of Ecology.
8.2 20th ed. New York: American Public Health Association; 1998. APHA. Standard
methods for the examination of water and waste\water.
8.3 2. Makhijani SD, Manoharan A. Nitrate pollution problem in drinking water sources:
Monitoring and surveillance. Paper presented in the workshop water quality field test
kits for Arsenic, Fluoride and Nitrate held from 8-9 Sept. 1999 at ITRC, Lucknow
8.4 3. Chinoy JN. Effects of fluoride on physiology of animals and human beings. Indian
J Environ Toxico. 1991;1:1732.
8.5 Clescerl, Leonore S.(Editor), Greenberg, Arnold E.(Editor), Eaton, Andrew D.
(Editor). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (20th ed.)
American Public Health Association, Washington, DC
9.0 APPENDIX
Figure 12.1: The Analytical Balance that was used in this experiment because it is very
sensitive.