How is Total Suspended Solids (TSS) commonly measured?

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) is a critical parameter in water quality analysis, as it indicates the amount of particulate matter present in water, which can affect aquatic life and water treatment processes. The most widely accepted method for measuring TSS involves the filtration technique, commonly done using a Gooch crucible.

In this process, a known volume of water is passed through a filter that retains the suspended solids. The filter, which is collected on a Gooch crucible, is then dried and weighed. The increase in weight after filtering gives a quantifiable measure of TSS in the water sample. This method is reliable and allows for the precise determination of suspended materials, making it a standard approach in environmental laboratories.

The other methods listed, though they may provide information about particulates or related measurements, do not specifically quantify TSS in the same standardized way as the filtration method using a Gooch crucible. For example, the evaporation method measures total solids, but it does not differentiate between dissolved and suspended solids. Optical sensors may estimate particulate levels but can lack the accuracy of gravimetric methods. Sedimentation analysis focuses on settling particles but does not measure those in suspension effectively. Therefore, using a Gooch crucible for filtration remains