Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering and Technology
Camarines Sur
WATER ANALYSIS ON TOTAL SOLIDS
AND TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS
(PS-1 Laboratory Report No. 3)
Members:
Camu, Mary Rose
Competente, Abegail
Cruz, Helaena Sabrinne
Gacer, Jonathan
Mabana, Kaysser Ray
Mayo, Johanna Marie
Mendiola, Francine Nicole
Perico, Nicole
Villanobo, Carol Jane
Yap, Mark John
Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering and Technology
Camarines Sur
INTRODUCTION
Water quality assessment is of paramount importance in ensuring the availability of
clean and safe water for various purposes, including drinking, industrial processes, and
ecosystem health.
With this certain topic, total solids (TS) and total suspended solids (TSS) are key
parameters. Total solids content is an essential parameter in environmental and analytical
chemistry, as it provides valuable information about the composition of water, particularly in
wastewater treatment, environmental monitoring, and quality control in food and beverage
production. It encompasses both suspended and dissolved solids within water. Meanwhile,
suspended solids refer to those particles that can be captured by a water filter and settle to the
stream bed during low-flow conditions. These particles include silt, clay, plankton, organic
waste, and inorganic precipitates like acid mine drainage.
To determine total solids, a thoroughly mixed sample is evaporated in a pre-weighed
container at temperatures between 103 and 105°C until a constant weight is achieved. The
increase in weight compared to the initial empty container signifies the total solids content. It's
important to note that the outcome may not fully represent the combined weight of both
dissolved and suspended solids present in wastewater samples.
OBJECTIVES
• To determine the total solids content in a given water sample using the method of
gravimetric analysis.
• To evaluate the overall quality of water within the water pond. Total solids content can
provide insights into the presence of suspended particles, dissolved minerals, and
organic matter, which can affect the health of aquatic ecosystems.
• To understand the connection between total solids content and the ecological balance of
aquatic ecosystems in the pond. It involves examining how variations in total solids
content may impact the growth of aquatic organisms, the clarity of water, and the
overall biodiversity of the ecosystem.
METHODOLOGY
I. Materials:
Evaporating dish
Triple beam balance
Analytical balance
50 mL Water sample (Pond water)
Preheated oven
Desiccator
Graduated cylinder or beaker (50 mL)
Pipette
Suction
II. Procedure:
1. Ensure that both the triple beam balance and analytical balance are properly calibrated
before beginning the experiment.
Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering and Technology
Camarines Sur
2. Weigh a clean and dry evaporating dish (A) using the triple beam balance and record its
mass in milligrams (mg).
3. Thoroughly mix the water sample to ensure homogeneity.
4. Using a graduated cylinder or beaker, accurately measure 50 mL of the mixed water
sample. Use a pipette and suction for precise control over the sample volume.
5. Weigh the sample and the evaporating dish together using the triple beam balance.
Record the combined mass in milligrams (mg).
6. Place the sample-containing evaporating dish in a preheated oven set to 103-105°C for
approximately six hours to allow for the evaporation of moisture.
Note: Keep in mind that highly mineralized water may require a longer drying time.
7. After the drying period, carefully remove the dish from the oven using appropriate heat-
resistant gloves. Allow it to cool to room temperature inside a desiccator to prevent
moisture absorption.
8. Weigh the cooled dish and its contents (B) using the analytical balance. Record the mass
in milligrams (mg).
9. Calculate the total solids content (mg/L) using the following formula:
Total Solids (mg/L) = [(A - B) x 1000] / Sample Volume (mL)
Where:
A = Weight (mg) of the empty evaporating dish
B = Weight (mg) of the dish with the dried sample
Sample Volume (mL) = 50 mL (as measured in step 4)
10. Record the calculated total solids content in mg/L.
III. Safety Precautions:
o Handle hot equipment with care and use heat-resistant gloves when removing the dish
from the oven.
o Ensure proper ventilation when using the oven.
o Follow all laboratory safety protocols and guidelines for handling chemicals and
equipment.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
I. Calculation
(𝐴−𝐵)
Total Solids = 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝑚𝐿) × 1000
[38.5319 𝑔−37.5356 𝑔]
= × 1000
50 𝑚𝐿
19.926 𝑚𝑔 1000 𝑚𝐿
= ×
𝑚𝐿 𝐿
= 19926 mg/L
II. Analyzation
Based from the calculated total solids above, the concentration is 19926 mg/L or
ppm which indicate high total solids in the pond. From the physical appearance of the solids
left in the dish, it was composed of organic matter which could be associated with the soil,
decomposing leaves, algae and other wastes. Moreover, these matters were caused by the
interception of rainwater in the buildings, pathways and land, as well as the infiltration of
water on the soil towards the pond. Depending on the geology of the pond, the high level of
minerals and salt can contribute to increase the concentration of total solids.
The high concentration of total solid play a critical role in the aquatic ecosystem from
which an organism placed in water with a high concentration of solids will shrink somewhat
Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering and Technology
Camarines Sur
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. Furthermore, the enough sunlight to reach or pass through the aquatic plants can
reduce the photosynthetic processes. Another points to consider is the higher oxygen
demand to decompose the organic matter affects the needs of aquatic animals to survive
due to lack oxygen and the suspended solids to cause eutrophication brought by the
nutrients such as phosphorus. In addition to the unwanted effects of high concentration of
total solids is it can cause clogged to the food pathways of aquatic animals.
The unbalanced concentration level of total dissolved solids in an aquatic area can
have negative effects on the ecosystems surrounding it, may it be biotic or abiotic. The
following statements are some of the examples. The water balance in the cells of aquatic
organisms is influenced by the concentration of total dissolved solids. The organism will then
struggle to keep the right cell density and maintain its position in the water column as a
result. It may rise to the surface or descend to a depth at which it is not accustomed, and it
may not survive. Additionally, Toxic substances, which readily adhere to suspended particles,
can act as carriers in environments with higher concentrations of suspended solids. This is
especially concerning when pesticides are applied to crops that receive irrigation. Another
example is that water with high level of total solids content will be unpleasant to drink and
may not be healthy for those who are not accustomed to drinking it. Total solids
concentrations that are too high or too low can also affect the performance of industrial
processes that employ raw water and wastewater treatment facilities.
Overall, the high concentration of total solids brings huge adverse effects to the
aquatic ecosystem that lead to reduction of reproduction and sustainable biodiversity.
DOCUMENTATION
I. Procedures
Shaking the water sample
Transferring the water sample to the beaker using a pipet
Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering and Technology
Camarines Sur
Stirring the water sample in the beaker
Weighing the water sample in the dish
REFERENCES
5.8 Total Solids | Monitoring & Assessment | US EPA. (n.d.).
https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/vms58.html
